National Desk, 21st July: In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India (SC) heard the defamation case against former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The case is related to his alleged derogatory remarks on the ‘Modi’ surname. The SC bench, composed of justices BR Gavai and PK Mishra, posted the matter for a hearing on August 4.
Despite his disqualification as a Member of Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi did not receive any relief from the apex court during today’s proceedings.
The notice issued by the Supreme Court was in response to Rahul Gandhi’s plea, challenging the Gujarat High Court’s decision not to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case.
Previously, a Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail for his comments concerning the ‘Modi’ surname, but he was granted bail to explore legal alternatives.
In a bid to hasten the case, the Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi sought an urgent hearing and brought it to the attention of a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on July 18.
The Supreme Court also issued a notice to the complainant, Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purnesh Modi, on Rahul Gandhi’s plea and has requested his response.
Also read: Gujarat HC dismisses plea of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi