In September 2018, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Rajasthan. The speech occurred during the 2018 Rafale fighter jet deal controversy, where expressions such as "chief of thieves" were reportedly used. The complaint alleged that Gandhi defamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a public speech.
Following the rally, a magistrate court in Girgaum ordered process against Rahul Gandhi on 2019-08-28. The Bombay High Court later considered the matter. On September 8, the High Court refused to quash the summons issued to Gandhi, a decision Gandhi challenged by filing an appeal.
A bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh heard Gandhi’s appeal. The bench issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the complainant, BJP member Mahesh Shrishrimal, directing them to respond within four weeks. The court’s order stated: "Issue notice returnable in four weeks. Further proceedings before the trial court shall remain stayed."
Rahul Gandhi is identified as a Congress leader and the Lok Sabha opposition leader, while Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister.
The Supreme Court gave the respondents four weeks to file their replies. The stay will remain in effect until further directions from the Supreme Court, meaning the lower court proceedings are paused while the notices are outstanding.
The case involves criminal defamation proceedings. Rahul Gandhi is identified as a Congress leader and the Lok Sabha opposition leader, while Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister. The Supreme Court’s action provided temporary relief to Gandhi, staying the lower court proceedings in the defamation case.
As of the Supreme Court’s order, the trial court proceedings in Maharashtra remain stayed. The notices issued to the Maharashtra government and the complainant require a response within four weeks. Until the court gives further directions, the lower court case against Rahul Gandhi over his 2018 remarks about Narendra Modi is on hold.