The complaint alleged that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (in this file photo) defamed PM Narendra Modi in a public speech on September 20, 2018, in Rajasthan. Photo: PTI
SC stays defamation case trial against Rahul over remarks on PM Modi
Supreme Court has sought replies from the Maharashtra government and complainant MH Shrishrimal in four weeks
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has secured interim relief from the Supreme Court in a defamation case arising from his 2019 comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the court directing that proceedings in the matter be put on hold.
The order was passed on Tuesday (October 13) by a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh, which also sought replies from the Maharashtra government and complainant MH Shrishrimal. They have been given four weeks to respond.
"Issue notice returnable in four weeks. Further proceedings before the trial court shall remain stayed," the Bench ordered on a plea filed by Rahul against a September 8 order of the Bombay High Court refusing to quash summons to him.
Hearing after four weeks
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Congress MP, referred to earlier decisions of the top court and said the law is settled in the matter. The bench posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks.
Also read: Wait lengthens in Rahul defamation case; July 29 set as new hearing date
On September 8, the Bombay High Court refused to quash the summons issued to Rahul in 2019 in the defamation case.
It had dismissed Rahul's petition against a Girgaum magistrate's order dated August 28, 2019, for a process against him on Shrishrimal's complaint.
Defamation complaint
The High Court, however, continued its 2021 order directing the magistrate to defer the hearing on the complaint for six weeks so that Rahul could approach the Supreme Court.
Shrishrimal had opposed Rahul's plea in the High Court, claiming that being a member of the BJP, he too was aggrieved by the remarks made against his leader.
Also read: ‘All are treated equally’, says SC as early hearing sought in defamation case against Rahul
The complaint had alleged that Rahul defamed PM Modi in a public speech on September 20, 2018, in Rajasthan.
It claimed that Rahul's statements amounted to direct allegations against all members of the BJP and Indian citizens connected to PM Modi.
(With agency inputs)