New Delhi/IBNS/UNI: Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sought some time to file a reply to the application filed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for his acquittal in the criminal defamation case filed against the latter.

Counsel for the Shekhawat has submitted in the court that a list of documents supplied by the complainant is either illegible or partially illegible.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had filed a defamation case before the District Court of Rouse Avenue, New Delhi against Ashok Gehlot by submitting that the Rajasthan Chief Minister had defamed him and falsely accused him of being involved in the Rs 900 crore Sanjivani Credit Society scam.

Shekhawat contended that his name did not appear anywhere when the Rajasthan government investigated the matter.

It is alleged by Shekhawat that the accused, by way of press conferences, media reports/social media posts, etc. has publicly stated that not only the complainant and his family members are accused in the Sanjivani scam, but also that the allegations against the complainant, in the said scam, stand proved.

His counsel had alleged that the accused has on different occasions addressed the media and has also uploaded videos and posts on his social media accounts in order to maliciously defame the complainant by way of false statements, particularly stating that the allegations against the complainant in Sanjivani scam stand proved and that the crime, of misappropriation/embezzlement of money belonging to poor and innocent investors, has been proved against the complainant.

Shekhawat requested the court that Gehlot be prosecuted for criminal defamation defined under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sought appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation.

The Court had earlier issued summons under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Rajasthan CM for his appearance before the court.

The arguments on the application of Gehlot seeking acquittal in the case were listed for Wednesday.