In a big relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Friday (August 4), in an interim order, stayed his conviction in a 2019 defamation case over his Modi surname remark, paving the way for revival of his Lok Sabha membership
In March this year, Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a Surat Court, following which he was declared disqualified as MP from Kerala's Wayanad. With Supreme Court's order today, Gandhi's status as an MP stands restored. He can also contest polls
The Supreme Court on Friday said that there was no reason given by the Surat court for imposing the maximum sentence on Rahul Gandhi. "No reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication," a three-judge bench said
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SC also said that the "ramifications of the trial court’s order were broad", noting that Gandhi's right to continue in public life was affected by the order along with the people who elected him
The order of the apex court was welcomed by the Congress party members. "It is a victory of love against hate. Satyamev Jayate - Jai Hind," Congress wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Party president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, "Justice has been delivered. Democracy has won. The Constitution has been upheld"
Congress leader and Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi quoted a Lord Gautam Buddha saying while lauding the judgment. “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth, - Gautama Buddha,” she tweeted
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the judgement is a strong vindication of truth and justice. Echoing a similar sentiment, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said this is the victory of truth and justice
"We are filled with energy. We had hoped for justice and justice has been done. Wait and watch, Rahul Gandhi will be the 'baazigar'," said Congress leader Pawan Khera on Supreme Court decision
On X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, wrote: "Come what may, my duty remains the same. Protect the idea of India"
Purnesh Modi had filed the criminal defamation case in 2019 against Gandhi over his "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" remark made during an election rally in Kolar in Karnataka on April 13, 2019
Rahul Gandhi had gone to the Supreme Court after a sessions court in Surat, and then the Gujarat High Court refused to put his conviction on hold. During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the Gujarat High Court order made for a "very interesting read" and that it had "lots of preaching"