What Next In The ‘Modi’ Surname Defamation Saga ?

While most of the leaders in the oldest party of the Indian democracy wanted to see Rahul leading the party and the nation like a hero, it was only after 2019 that their hero got a political makeover. His facts and findings, amalgamated with logic and eloquence have been refining him gradually but his conviction in the defamation case was seen as a big setback owing to the fact that the heir of INC had lost his parliament seat from Wayanad after losing the invincible Amethi that was the citadel for the party.

His losing of parliamentary membership just a year before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was a massive blow to the party accounting for the fact that he might not be able to contest in the elections unless he is acquitted.

The apex court on its hearing questioned the Surat court’s decision for imposing the maximum sentence on Rahul Gandhi. Notably, a person if convicted can be granted a maximum of two years of imprisonment in a defamation case. “No reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication,” the bench said. The bench however noted that the statement made by Rahul Gandhi was not in good taste and that people holding public office should maintain restraint and caution.

Also read: Supreme Court Puts Stay On Rahul Gandhi’s Conviction In ‘Modi surname’ Defamation Case

Surat court has no answer to the Supreme Court’s interrogation for why was the maximum punishment imposed. It hints towards the objective of the ruling party to obstruct him from the next polls, whom they don’t, at least verbally, take as their solid opponent.

For a parliamentarian, to lose their seat and to be unable to contest in elections, a minimum imprisonment of two years is required and the same was imposed on the former president of Congress. Supreme Court’s relief will make a couple of changes to the political geography of India, and that happening at the eleventh hour before the Lok Sabha elections means so much to the leader who has given a hand and a leg to redefine himself.

After this decision, Rahul Gandhi might regain his Wayanad seat and come back to the parliament anytime, and nothing better than this monsoon session. He has of course bagged the opportunity to contest in the upcoming elections from wherever he wishes to, for imposing anything below two years is not at all going to change his political career come hell or high water.