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Synopsis

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday urged a Delhi court to initiate trial proceedings against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, accusing him of defamation.

The arguments were presented before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal of Rouse Avenue Court by Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Shekhawat. Pahwa asserted that there is ample prima facie evidence to frame charges against the Congress leader.

Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa concluded his arguments on charges during the hearing on Tuesday.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 5, during which it is expected to listen to further arguments from the Congress leader.

The summons to Chief Minister Gehlot were issued on August 7 this year, following a complaint filed by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat alleging that Gehlot's statements connecting him to the alleged Sanjivani scam were defamatory.

The case is related to thousands of investors allegedly getting duped of about Rs 900 crore by the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society. 

According to a report by PTI, Shekhawat has alleged in his complaint that Gehlot has been making “defamatory remarks” against him over the alleged scam and trying to tarnish his image and affect his political career.

The Union Minister had moved the Rouse Avenue Court in March this year claiming that the chief minister defamed him and falsely accused him of being involved in the Rs 900-crore Sanjivani Credit Society scam.

Case Title: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat v. Ashok Gehlot