In a major relief for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed his conviction in the 2019 criminal defamation case against him over his ‘Modi surname’ remark. The order will allow him to return to parliament and contest national elections due next year.
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The case dates back to 2019, when Rahul Gandhi made a speech in Wayanad, Kerala, in which he said that all thieves have the surname Modi. This remark was challenged by BJP leader Purnesh Modi, who filed a criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi.
In March 2023, a Surat court convicted Rahul Gandhi and sentenced him to two years in jail. Rahul Gandhi appealed the conviction to the Gujarat High Court, but the court upheld the verdict. Gandhi then filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court.
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On Friday, a bench of Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha, and Sanjay Kumar stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction and ordered that the matter be heard by a larger bench. The court said that the trial court did not give reason to justify the maximum sentence of two years to Gandhi, which resulted in his disqualification as MP.
The court also said that the remarks made by Gandhi were not in good taste, but that he should not be punished for them. “A person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches,” the court said. “He (Rahul Gandhi) ought to have been more careful.”
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The stay on Gandhi’s conviction is a major relief for him and the Congress party. It will allow Gandhi to return to parliament and contest the next general elections. It will also be a setback for the BJP, which had been hoping to capitalize on Gandhi’s conviction.
Tweets In Support Of Rahul Gandhi
I welcome Hon’ble Supreme Court's intervention in an unjust defamation case against Rahul Gandhi ji. It reinforces people's trust in Indian democracy and the judicial system.
Congratulations to him and to the people of Wayanad— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 4, 2023
माननीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय का राहुल गांधी जी के संदर्भ में लिया गया फैसला स्वागत योग्य है। अगर भाजपा के दुष्प्रचारी एवं कॉम्प्रोमाइज्ड तंत्र को ये झटका नही लगता तो कई और विपक्षी नेताओं को ये साजिशों व षड्यंत्रों के तहत विधायिका से बाहर रखने की जालसाजी जारी रखते। सत्यमेव जयते!…
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) August 4, 2023
I am happy with the news about the MP-ship of @RahulGandhi This will further strengthen the resolve of the INDIA alliance to unitedly fight for our motherland and win. A victory of the judiciary!
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 4, 2023
मा. सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने राहुल गांधी जी की सज़ा पर रोक लगाकर भारतीय लोकतंत्र और न्यायपालिका में लोगों की आस्था को बढ़ावा दिया है।
भाजपा की नकारात्मक राजनीति का अहंकारी ध्वज आज उनके नैतिक अवसान के शोक में झुक जाना चाहिए।
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 4, 2023
#WATCH | On Supreme Court staying conviction of Rahul Gandhi in 'Modi' surname remark defamation case, Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad says, "It's a good thing…There was no effect of his disqualification. He was doing the same job which he was doing… pic.twitter.com/sOuTmXhtd5
— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2023
The Supreme Court’s decision is a reminder that freedom of speech is a fundamental right that must be protected. It also shows that the judiciary is independent and will not be influenced by political considerations.
The stay on Gandhi’s conviction is a victory for truth and justice. It is a reminder that no one is above the law, not even the powerful. It is also a sign of hope for the future of India, a country that is still struggling to overcome its colonial legacy.
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