BHIWANDI – Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the Bhiwandi magistrate’s court on Saturday to finalize legal formalities in a long-standing defamation case. The appearance was required to furnish a fresh surety following the passing of his previous guarantor, former Union Minister Shivraj Patil, who died in December.
Gandhi named Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal as his new guarantor. The court proceedings were brief, lasting approximately thirty minutes, during which Gandhi signed the necessary bail bonds to maintain his legal standing in the case.
The Background of the Case
The legal battle dates back to 2014, when RSS activist Rajesh Kunte filed a complaint under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. Kunte alleged that during an election rally in Sonale village, Gandhi made defamatory remarks linking the RSS to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The complainant argued that these statements caused significant harm to the organization’s reputation.
While the trial has progressed through the cross-examination of the complainant, the court recently shifted focus to procedural updates necessitated by the change in sureties.
Protests and Legal Protections
Gandhi’s arrival in Bhiwandi was met with a black-flag protest by BJP workers stationed along the route. Despite the political friction, the legal team secured a notable win as the court granted Gandhi a permanent exemption from personal appearance in future hearings, provided his legal counsel remains present.
His lawyer, Narayan Iyer, expressed confidence in the judiciary, noting that the defense is prepared to present its witnesses once the cross-examination of the investigating officer concludes.
