Rahul Gandhi Faces Court for Defamation Case Filed by BJP Leader

Rahul Gandhi attended a court hearing in a defamation case initiated by BJP leader Vijay Mishra, who accused Gandhi of making objectionable comments about Amit Shah. Gandhi asserted the case was for 'cheap publicity,' and the next hearing is set for August 12. Congress workers showed strong support during his appearance.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before an MP-MLA court here on Friday in a defamation case against him, asserting that it was filed to gain 'cheap publicity.'

According to Gandhi's lawyer, Kashi Prasad Shukla, the Congress MP, who stood before Special Judge Shubham Verma, maintained that he never made a statement against anyone that could lead to defamation charges.

Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra lodged the complaint on August 4, 2018, alleging Gandhi made objectionable comments against Amit Shah during the Karnataka elections. Gandhi had remarked that while the BJP claims honest and clean politics, it had a president accused in a murder case.

The MP-MLA court has scheduled the next hearing for August 12, when the petitioner's statement will be recorded. Sources indicate Gandhi need not appear on that date. Representing Mishra, Advocate Santosh Kumar Pandey stated that further evidence would be presented then.

Gandhi paused his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Amethi to attend the court, where a heavy security presence was noted. Congress workers gathered in large numbers in Sultanpur to support him.

(With inputs from agencies.)