India

Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in 2018 Defamation Case Over Remarks Against Amit Shah

In a major legal relief for the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, a Special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur has acquitted him in a 2018 defamation case over remarks made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was then the BJP president. The case originated from comments made during a rally and press conference in Bengaluru ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections. The defamation complaint was filed in August 2018 by local BJP leader Vijay Mishra, a former chairperson of the Sultanpur District Cooperative Bank. The verdict brings significant political relief to the Congress party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, as a conviction could have jeopardised Gandhi's electoral future. Congress supporters gathered with celebratory posters outside the court as the defence confirmed the acquittal, noting that the case had been found false. The complainant retains the legal option to challenge the verdict in a higher court.

India Today

06:34

Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in 2018 Defamation Case Over Remarks Against Amit Shah

Rahul Gandhi In Sultanpur Court For Defamation Verdict, Convoy Collision, High SecurityCongress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Special MP-MLA Court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for the pronouncement of the verdict in a criminal defamation case dating back to 2018. The complaint was initiated by local BJP leader Vijay Mishra over remarks made by Gandhi against Amit Shah during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly election campaign in Bengaluru.

Prior to his arrival at the court premises, vehicles following in Gandhi's convoy were involved in a minor collision along the Purvanchal Expressway in Haliyapur; however, Gandhi's vehicle was ahead and remained safe. Strict security measures were enforced around the court premises, with restricted entry ensuring only advocates and designated officials accessed the venue.

Following the conclusion of arguments from both sides before Additional Civil Judge Shubham Verma, Gandhi appeared in person before the court for the scheduled delivery of the judgment.

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