On July 26, 2024, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared in an MP-MLA court to record his statement in a defamation case. The case, originally filed by Vijay Mishra, a local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleges that Gandhi made defamatory remarks about Amit Shah, who was the BJP president at the time of the alleged statements. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the case, including its background, current status, and next steps.
Background of the Defamation Case
The defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was filed on August 4, 2018, by Vijay Mishra, a BJP leader. The case centers on remarks made by Gandhi during a press conference held in Bengaluru. At that time, Amit Shah was serving as the BJP president and is currently the Home Minister. Mishra's complaint accuses Gandhi of making objectionable and derogatory statements about Shah, suggesting that Shah's leadership was tainted by allegations of involvement in a murder case.
Also read: Rahul Gandhi defamation case timeline: From ‘Modi remark’ to 'Rafale Remark'
Key Developments and Court Proceedings
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Statements on July 26, 2024
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Gandhi's Statement: On July 26, 2024, Rahul Gandhi recorded his statement in the MP-MLA court. During the hearing, Gandhi asserted that the allegations against him were baseless and motivated by political malice. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha reiterated that his statements were made in the context of criticizing the BJP's claims of upholding clean politics.
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Lawyer of Rahul Gandhi's statement: "Rahul Gandhi recorded his statement in the court and said that all the allegations are false and the complaint has been filed due to political malice...12th August has been fixed as the next date of hearing and the complainant will have to produce evidence on that day which will be cross-examined by the court," Advocate Kashi Prasad Shukla, appearing for Rahul Gandhi.
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Previous Court Actions
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On February 20, 2024, the court granted bail to Rahul Gandhi in connection with this case. Special Magistrate Shubham Verma, overseeing the case, had summoned Gandhi to present his statement on July 26.
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Upcoming Court Date
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The matter is scheduled to be revisited on August 12, 2024. However, court sources have indicated that Gandhi is not required to appear in person on this date. This upcoming hearing will likely focus on further legal proceedings or considerations related to the case.
सुल्तानपुर MP/MLA कोर्ट में मानहानि के आरोप में दायर मुकदमे में अपना बयान दर्ज कराने पहुंचे राहुल गांधी। इस संबंध में उनके वकील ने क्या जानकारी दी, सुनिए। #Sultanpur #RahulGandhi #BJP #Congress https://t.co/B15RUl9rbX pic.twitter.com/TyZton5PiS— UP Tak (@UPTakOfficial) July 26, 2024
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Details of the Accusations
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Remarks During Press Conference
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The defamation suit stems from remarks Gandhi made during a press conference in Bengaluru. In his statements, Gandhi criticized the BJP and its leadership, particularly Amit Shah. Gandhi alleged that despite the BJP's public stance on honest and clean politics, Shah, who was then the BJP president, was embroiled in serious legal controversies.
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Political Implications
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The case has significant political implications, reflecting the contentious relationship between the Congress party and the BJP. The accusations and legal proceedings are seen as part of the broader political struggle between the two major parties in India.
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Statements from Key Figures
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Congress Party
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Abhishek Singh Rana, the Congress district president, confirmed Gandhi's appearance in court on July 26. The Congress party has maintained that the defamation case is politically motivated and aimed at silencing criticism of the BJP.
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BJP's Position
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The BJP has yet to issue a detailed statement on the ongoing legal proceedings. However, the party's actions and the filing of the defamation suit suggest an effort to address and counter the criticisms levied by Gandhi.
सुल्तानपुर से लखनऊ के रास्ते में राहुल गांधी, रास्ते में नेता #प्रतिपक्ष राहुल गांधी ने मोची काम करने वाले परिवार से मुलाकात की, लगभग 30 मिनट तक राहुल गांधी ने इनकी समस्याओं को सुना, और काम के चैलेंज पर बात की।@RahulGandhi @INCUttarPradesh @kashikirai @Supriya23bh #Sultanpur… pic.twitter.com/VqYh1qCYzf— Roshan Kumar Journalist (@cameraman_r) July 26, 2024
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Rahul Gandhi stopped at a cobbler's shop
On his way back from the court, Rahul Gandhi suddenly stopped at a cobbler's shop in Kurebhar MLA Nagar before the Purvanchal Expressway where he talked to him about making shoes and his problem.
As the defamation case progresses, it highlights the intense political dynamics and the legal battles that often accompany high-profile political figures in India. The case against Rahul Gandhi, driven by accusations from a BJP leader, underscores the complexities of political discourse and the role of the judiciary in adjudicating such disputes. The next court date on August 12 will be a crucial moment in determining the future direction of this legal challenge.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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