In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India granted a stay on the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 defamation case. The case was filed against him by ex-Gujarat minister and BJP MLA Purnesh Modi, following Gandhi’s remarks on the surname ‘Modi’ during an election rally in Kolar, Karnataka, during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign. The top court’s bench comprising Justices B R Gavai, P S Narasimha, and Sanjay Kumar issued the stay on Friday, providing temporary relief to the former Congress president.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Rahul Gandhi expressed his belief in the triumph of truth, stating, “Aaj nahi toh kal, kal nahi toh parson sachai ki jeet hoti hai” (If not today, tomorrow truth will triumph). He thanked the people for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to his path and work.
At the Congress party briefing held at the party headquarters, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict as a ‘victory of democracy and constitution.’ He praised Rahul Gandhi for fighting for truth, India’s development, and against issues like price rise, while expressing confidence in the blessings of the people of India.
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also joined in celebrating the court’s decision, calling it a victory of truth and valour. He expressed hope that the BJP would refrain from targeting other leaders and engage in constructive dialogue on issues concerning the common people.
Rahul Gandhi’s defamation case had been a matter of legal scrutiny, and the stay granted by the Supreme Court provides him with temporary respite. The distance between the apex court and parliament, both being pillars of democracy, may become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse as the court’s decision opens up possibilities for further actions related to Gandhi’s membership.
The ruling has drawn attention from political circles, and the case will continue to be closely monitored by observers. As the legal battle unfolds, the impact on Indian politics and the image of prominent leaders remains to be seen.
Sources By Agencies
