The MP-MLA Special Court in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, has issued a non-bailable warrant against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a 2018 defamation case.
The court has directed him to appear in person on June 26, marking a significant escalation in the legal proceedings.
Rahul Gandhi’s Derogatory Remarks Allegedly Made In 2018
The case stems from Gandhi’s alleged comments made during a Congress party event in 2018.
At the time, Gandhi reportedly said, “No murderer can become the National President in Congress. Congressmen cannot accept a murderer as the National President, this is possible only in the BJP.”
The complainant, Pratap Katiyar, a resident of Chaibasa, filed a legal complaint on July 9, 2018, viewing the statement as defamatory toward then-BJP National President Amit Shah.
Court Escalates Action After Multiple No-Shows
Initially, the Chaibasa court issued a bailable warrant in April 2022 after receiving no response from Gandhi. When Gandhi failed to comply, the court escalated the matter and issued a non-bailable warrant in February 2024.
His legal team had sought an exemption from personal appearance, but the court rejected the plea.
High Court Granted Temporary Relief To Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi then moved the Jharkhand High Court, which granted him interim relief by staying the warrant for several months.
However, in March 2024, the High Court disposed of the petition, allowing the trial to resume in the lower court.
As hearings resumed, Gandhi’s counsel once again sought exemption from personal appearance.
In addition to the Chaibasa case, Rahul Gandhi is facing another defamation case in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, also linked to his remarks about Amit Shah.
The latest hearing on May 17 was postponed due to a lawyer workshop. Gandhi had previously appeared in the Sultanpur court in July 2023.
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