The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday stayed proceedings in a defamation case pending before a trial court in Ajmer against Dr Vikas Divyakirti, founder of Drishti IAS.

Justice Sameer Jain passed the interim order after Divyakirti approached the High Court seeking quashing of the defamation complaint filed against him over alleged remarks concerning the judiciary and the legal system.

The complaint, filed by an advocate, pertained to comments purportedly made by Divyakirti during a lecture. The Ajmer court had taken cognisance of the complaint and issued summons to him for July 22. Upon filing an exemption plea from personal appearance, the lower court rescheduled the hearing for August 2.

Represented by advocates V.R. Bajwa and Sumeer Sodhi, Divyakirti contended that the remarks were made in a private academic setting and fell within the scope of free speech. Advocate Sodhi stated that the High Court observed such statements, made in a closed environment, do not amount to defamation and are protected under the fundamental right to express one's opinions.

All proceedings in the case have been stayed until further orders.