Gujarat HC Slaps ₹25,000 Cost on Kejriwal, Rejects Appeal in PM Modi Degree Case

The Gujarat High Court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and upheld a ₹25,000 cost imposed on him in a case related to the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree. The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, dealing a legal blow to Kejriwal's prolonged efforts to obtain information about Modi's educational qualifications.

The case dates back to 2016 when Kejriwal and other AAP leaders questioned the authenticity of Modi's degrees, alleging discrepancies. In 2023, the Gujarat High Court set aside a lower court order that had summoned Modi and others in the case, and imposed a cost of ₹25,000 on Kejriwal. Kejriwal challenged this order, but the High Court has now upheld its earlier decision, stating that the appeal lacked merit.

The ruling is a significant setback for Kejriwal, who is also facing multiple legal battles, including in the Delhi excise policy case. It reinforces the judiciary's stance against what it perceives as frivolous litigation. The decision may also impact the political discourse ahead of the 2024 general elections, with the BJP likely to use it to highlight Kejriwal's legal challenges. Kejriwal's legal team has indicated they may consider further legal options, including approaching the Supreme Court.