Mumbai
In a recent development, the Bombay High Court has extended the interim relief granted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, excusing him from appearing before a Magistrate Court in Mumbai until September 26. The extension comes after both Gandhi’s lawyer, Kushal Mor, and the complainant’s advocates fell ill and were recuperating, leading to the postponement of Gandhi’s plea hearing.
The case in question revolves around a 2018 incident where Rahul Gandhi, during a public rally in Rajasthan, made a controversial remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to him as the “commander-in-thief.” Following the remark, a defamation suit was filed by Mahesh Shrishrimal, a BJP worker from Girgaon, alleging that Gandhi’s statement accused all members of the BJP and Indian citizens of theft.
Seeking to put an end to the proceedings against him, Rahul Gandhi approached the Bombay High Court to quash the charges. In his plea, the Congress leader argued that he often faces baseless and politically motivated litigation as an elected representative. He maintained that the Magistrate Court’s summons were an attempt to harass him and tarnish his public image.
In response, Mahesh Shrishrimal asserted that he had presented a compelling case against Gandhi, and the Magistrate Court issued the summons only after thorough examination of its merits. He further suggested that Gandhi could have pursued a revision application before the Sessions Court, rather than directly approaching the High Court with a quashing petition.
Throughout the hearings, the Bombay High Court has been sympathetic to Gandhi’s plea, directing the Girgaum Magistrate Court to postpone the case’s hearing until the next date of the High Court’s hearing. Subsequently, the court has extended relief on several occasions, culminating in the recent extension that allows Rahul Gandhi to be exempt from appearing before the Magistrate Court until September 26.
The ongoing legal battle has garnered significant attention, highlighting the intersection of politics and defamation cases in the country. As the case progresses, legal experts and political commentators are closely observing its implications on the freedom of speech and the use of defamatory language against public figures.
The next hearing on September 26 will determine whether the charges against Rahul Gandhi will be quashed or if the case will proceed further in the Magistrate Court. Until then, the Congress leader continues to receive temporary respite from attending court proceedings. The outcome of this legal saga is eagerly awaited by supporters and detractors alike, as it may set a precedent for similar cases involving public figures and their freedom of expression.
