The defamation case against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, initiated by BJP leader Amit Shah in 2018, has been delayed again due to a lawyers’ strike. Scheduled for January 30, 2025, the case has seen multiple postponements and involves allegations of Gandhi making offensive remarks during the Karnataka elections. Gandhi claims innocence, linking charges to a political conspiracy.
New Delhi: The defamation case against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, filed in 2018 over remarks on BJP leader Amit Shah, has been delayed yet again due to a lawyers’ strike. The case, which has already stretched over five years, will now be heard on January 30, 2025, to complete the cross-examination process.
Background of the Case
The case was initiated by Vijay Mishra, a local BJP politician, who alleged that Gandhi made an offensive comment about Amit Shah during the Karnataka elections, causing personal distress. Mishra filed the defamation suit, seeking redress for Gandhi’s remarks.
Read Also: [2018 Rahul Gandhi’s Defamation Case] UP Court Scheduled a Hearing On June 7
Delays in Proceedings
The case has faced multiple delays since its inception:
- In December 2023, the court issued a warrant for Rahul Gandhi when he failed to appear for a hearing.
- Gandhi surrendered in February 2024, and his statement was recorded on July 26, 2024. He was granted bail after providing two sureties of Rs 25,000 each.
- Since then, hearings have been postponed repeatedly. A session set for December 16, 2024, was canceled due to the judge’s absence. Subsequent hearings on January 2 and January 10, 2025, were also deferred.
- The latest delay stems from an ongoing lawyers’ strike, further pushing the timeline of this high-profile case.
Rahul Gandhi’s Response
During his court appearances, Rahul Gandhi has maintained his innocence, alleging that the charges against him are part of a “political conspiracy.” He asserts that the remarks in question were not intended to defame but were part of political discourse during the elections.
Read Also: [Rahul Gandhi’s Defamation Case] UP Court Orders Gandhi to Appear on July 2
Court’s Actions
The Special MP-MLA judge Shubham Verma directed the plaintiff, Vijay Mishra, to provide evidence. However, the frequent postponements have slowed down the proceedings, keeping the case unresolved.
Next Steps
The court has now scheduled the next hearing for January 30, 2025, marking yet another delay in the resolution of this protracted defamation suit. As the legal battle continues, the outcome of this politically charged case remains uncertain.
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