In a major setback for Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Bombay High Court has dismissed his plea to close a criminal defamation case filed against him. The case goes back to 2018 when Rahul Gandhi used phrases like Chowkidar Chor Hai and Commander in Thief while targeting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a political rally in Rajasthan and in social media posts. Following this, a BJP worker filed a court complaint in Mumbai, claiming these comments insulted the PM and damaged the image of party members. Rahul Gandhi approached the High Court seeking to cancel the trial court summons. His legal team argued that his statements were aimed at public issues and did not target any specific group directly.
However, Justice N. R. Borkar rejected his arguments, stating that the BJP is a recognized political party and remarks made against its main leader could impact its members. The High Court found no mistake in the lower court's decision and refused to interfere with the trial process. To give Rahul Gandhi time to move the Supreme Court against this order, the High Court has temporarily paused court appearances for six weeks. If he gets no relief there, he will have to stand trial.
