The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party. He is contesting a ruling by the Gujarat high court that upheld his conviction in a criminal defamation case. Gandhi’s plea challenges the high court’s decision not to suspend his conviction and two-year jail term. The case revolves around Gandhi’s use of the “Modi” surname. He is concerned that if the judgment is not stayed, it could limit free speech and expression.
The appeal will be heard by a bench of Justices BR Gavai and PK Mishra. It was filed one week after the high court delivered a setback to Gandhi’s efforts to regain his Lok Sabha membership. The court stated that he had breached modesty and committed an offense involving moral turpitude.
Purnesh Modi, a BJP leader and the complainant in the case, has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure that no orders are issued in Gandhi’s appeal without hearing his side.
On March 23, a Gujarat magisterial court convicted Gandhi for his remarks on the “Modi” surname. This led to a two-year prison sentence and his disqualification as a Member of Parliament under the Representation of People Act.
