Legal Battle Intensifies: Rahul Gandhi's Defamation Case Unfolds

A special court dealing with MP/MLA cases in Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur has granted a final chance for the complainant's lawyer to file a revision petition in the defamation suit against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on May 21.

Kashi Prasad Shukla, who represents Gandhi, noted that Monday was set for arguments, yet the complainant's counsel asked for an adjournment, indicating plans to contest a prior court ruling via a revision petition. Santosh Kumar Pandey, attorney for local BJP politician Vijay Mishra, continues to push the matter of verifying evidence, despite a previous rejection of voice sample matching by the court.

The Sultanpur court already dismissed an application from the complainant's attorney under Section 311 of the CrPC, setting May 11 for the final arguments. The defamation complaint, originating in October 2018, arose over remarks made by Gandhi during a campaign. Gandhi maintains innocence and claims the case is politically driven.

(With inputs from agencies.)