NEW DELHI — In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed further proceedings in a 2019 defamation trial pending against Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Maharashtra.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh issued formal notices to the Maharashtra government and the original complainant, MH Shrishrimal, requiring responses within four weeks.
Key Takeaways
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Trial Proceedings Stayed: The apex court intervened to halt ongoing trial court proceedings stemming from a defamation complaint filed over remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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High Court Order Challenged: The Supreme Court petition was filed by Rahul Gandhi to challenge a September 8 order by the Bombay High Court, which had refused to cancel the summons issued against him.
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Four-Week Notice Period: The bench directed the state government and the complainant to submit their replies within a four-week window, maintaining the stay in the interim.
Background of the Defamation Complaint
The legal case originates from a public speech delivered by Rahul Gandhi on September 20, 2018, in Rajasthan. Complainant MH Shrishrimal had alleged that the statements amounted to direct defamation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and implicated members and supporters of the ruling party.
Appearing for the senior Congress leader, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued before the bench that established legal principles already cover the issues raised in the matter. While the Bombay High Court had previously dismissed Gandhi’s petition to quash the 2019 magistrate summons, it had extended temporary protections to allow an appeal to the top court, which has now granted the interim stay.
