Rahul Gandhi Appears in Sultanpur Court for 2018 Defamation Case Against Amit Shah

Rahul Gandhi appeared in court today for a 2018 defamation case. This is the first time he has given his statement in this specific case.
By Newsroom | Politics, India |

SULTANPUR, INDIA – Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the MP-MLA court in Sultanpur on Friday to provide his statement in a defamation case filed in 2018. The case centers on remarks allegedly made by Gandhi concerning Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Karnataka elections of that year. Gandhi stated to the court that the case was filed with a malicious intent and that he is innocent.

The court had previously warned Gandhi of strict action for missing multiple previous court dates, leading to his appearance. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for August 12, for which Gandhi's presence is not required.

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Background of the Case

The defamation complaint was lodged by Vijay Mishra, a local BJP leader, in 2018. Mishra alleged that Gandhi made derogatory remarks against Amit Shah, who was the national president of the BJP at the time. Gandhi's statement to the court maintained that the case aimed to malign his and his party's image.

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Court Proceedings and Political Reactions

Rahul Gandhi arrived in Sultanpur to attend the court hearing, traveling from Delhi to Lucknow before proceeding to the court. Security was significantly heightened around the court premises due to the presence of numerous Congress workers who gathered in support of Gandhi.

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Some Congress leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Tiwari, have characterized the legal actions against Gandhi as politically motivated. Tiwari stated, "The BJP is continuously filing false and fabricated cases against him (Rahul Gandhi) across the entire country."

Conversely, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Gandhi's actions, terming them as "irresponsible behaviour" and indicative of an "anti-India mentality."

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The core issue revolves around alleged defamatory remarks made by Rahul Gandhi about Amit Shah in 2018, leading to a defamation case that has now progressed to Gandhi providing his statement in court.

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Gandhi's Statement and Court Directives

During his appearance, Rahul Gandhi asserted his innocence, claiming the case was registered with a malafide intention to damage his and his party's reputation. The court has recorded Gandhi's statement and directed the complainant to produce evidence in the case. The next date for the examination of evidence has been set for August 12.

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The court recorded Gandhi's statement, wherein he claimed innocence and malicious intent behind the case, and directed the complainant to present evidence, scheduling the next hearing for August 12.

Further Developments and Political Context

Gandhi's legal team, represented by counsel Kashi Prasad Shukla, confirmed the proceedings. Following the court appearance, Gandhi traveled back to Lucknow. Reports also indicated that during a brief stop near Sultanpur, Gandhi engaged with a local cobbler and even tried his hand at shoe repairing.

The Congress party has shown solidarity, with local leaders putting up "Satyamev Jayate" posters, suggesting a belief in the triumph of truth.

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While Gandhi appeared in court and provided his statement, asserting innocence, political figures have offered contrasting views, with some defending him and others criticizing his actions and alleged "anti-India mentality."

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rahul Gandhi go to Sultanpur court on Friday?
Rahul Gandhi appeared in the MP-MLA court in Sultanpur to give his statement in a defamation case from 2018. He was warned of action for missing earlier dates.
Q: What is the defamation case about?
The case was filed by a BJP leader who said Rahul Gandhi made bad remarks about Amit Shah in 2018. Gandhi told the court he is innocent and the case was filed to harm his image.
Q: What happened in court on Friday?
The court heard Rahul Gandhi's statement where he said he was innocent and the case was filed with bad intentions. The court asked the person who filed the case to show proof.
Q: When is the next court date?
The next court date is August 12. The person who filed the case needs to show evidence then. Rahul Gandhi does not need to be there.