Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA court here on Friday for a hearing in a defamation case.

The court fixed August 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter when the statement of the petitioner will be recorded. Court sources said Gandhi need not appear in the court again on that date.

Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana confirmed that Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, appeared in the court.

Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah.

The court granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA court here on Friday for a hearing in a defamation case. The court fixed August 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter when the statement of the petitioner will be recorded.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA court here on Friday for a hearing in a defamation case. The court fixed August 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter when the statement of the petitioner will be recorded. Court sources said Gandhi need not appear in the court again on that date. Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana confirmed that Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, appeared in the court. Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah. The court granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi appears in UP court in defamation case

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Friday (June 7) by a Bengaluru court in connection with a case filed by the BJP's Karnataka unit for issuing “defamatory" advertisements in mainstream newspapers.

The advertisement preceding the Assembly polls last year accused the former BJP government in the state of engaging in widespread corruption during its tenure from 2019 to 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-2024-rahul-gandhi-to-appear-before-court-in-connection-to-bjp-defamation-case-729535">Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Modi to take oath as Prime Minister on June 9</a>

The court had on June 1 granted bail to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, after they appeared before it in connection with the defamation case.

Judge K N Shivakumar had earlier directed Rahul Gandhi to appear before the court on Friday (June 7) without fail.

It may be recalled here, in February, the Congress leader attended court proceedings related to the defamation case and was granted bail.

BJP leader Vijay Mishra had lodged the complaint against Rahul Gandhi. Last December, a warrant was issued against Gandhi, prompting him to postpone his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Amethi and appear in court on February 20, where he got bail.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-shah-gave-investment-advice-during-lok-sabha-polls-campaign-alleges-rahul-gandhi-demands-probe-729409">Stock market scam: Modi, Shah gave investment advice during Lok Sabha polls, alleges Rahul; BJP reacts</a>

The complaint arose from statements made by Gandhi during a press conference in Bengaluru in May 2018, amidst the Karnataka elections. Gandhi's remarks addressed the BJP's assertion of maintaining integrity in politics despite having a party president (Amit Shah) who faced accusations in a murder case.

Four years before Gandhi's remarks, Amit Shah was acquitted by a special CBI court in Mumbai in connection with a 2005 fake encounter case during his tenure as Minister of State for Home in Gujarat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Friday (June 7) by a Bengaluru court in connection with a case filed by the BJP's Karnataka unit for issuing “defamatory" advertisements in mainstream newspapers.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Friday (June 7) by a Bengaluru court in connection with a case filed by the BJP's Karnataka unit for issuing “defamatory" advertisements in mainstream newspapers. The advertisement preceding the Assembly polls last year accused the former BJP government in the state of engaging in widespread corruption during its tenure from 2019 to 2023. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Modi to take oath as Prime Minister on June 9 The court had on June 1 granted bail to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, after they appeared before it in connection with the defamation case. Judge K N Shivakumar had earlier directed Rahul Gandhi to appear before the court on Friday (June 7) without fail. It may be recalled here, in February, the Congress leader attended court proceedings related to the defamation case and was granted bail. BJP leader Vijay Mishra had lodged the complaint against Rahul Gandhi. Last December, a warrant was issued against Gandhi, prompting him to postpone his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Amethi and appear in court on February 20, where he got bail. Also read: Stock market scam: Modi, Shah gave investment advice during Lok Sabha polls, alleges Rahul; BJP reacts The complaint arose from statements made by Gandhi during a press conference in Bengaluru in May 2018, amidst the Karnataka elections. Gandhi's remarks addressed the BJP's assertion of maintaining integrity in politics despite having a party president (Amit Shah) who faced accusations in a murder case. Four years before Gandhi's remarks, Amit Shah was acquitted by a special CBI court in Mumbai in connection with a 2005 fake encounter case during his tenure as Minister of State for Home in Gujarat. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi gets bail in defamation case filed by BJP

India’s Supreme Court, in its interim order, placed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction on hold in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark on Friday (August 4).<o:p></o:p>

In its verdict, the apex court said, “There is no doubt that utterances are not in good taste, person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches.” The court accepted his affidavit in the contempt petition and observed that Gandhi ought to have been more careful.<o:p></o:p>

Supreme Court said that the trial court judge did not give any reason for imposing the maximum sentence on Gandhi and added that the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication.<o:p></o:p>

Granting relief to the Congress leader, Supreme Court said that the ramifications of the order given by the trial court are wide. “Not only was Gandhi’s right to continue in public life affected but also that of the electorate who elected him,” said the court.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> Supreme Court stays Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark. 
 
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Gandhi’s conviction in the 'Modi surname' remark case led to his disqualification as MP. The court was hearing a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi which challenged the verdict delivered by Gujarat HC that had declined to put on hold his conviction.

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/call-us-what-you-want-congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-hits-back-at-pm-modi-after-india-row-619295">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushes back against PM Modi over INDIA remarks</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Heated arguments<o:p></o:p></h2>

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Rahul Gandhi in the court, said that the comments of the former Congress president on the “Modi surname” were not an offence against society, reported news agency ANI.<o:p></o:p>

“First of all, Purnesh Modi’s (complainant) original surname is not Modi…He changed his surname… Not a single of the persons Gandhi had named during his speech have sued. Interestingly, everybody who is aggrieved in this very ‘small’ community in 13 crores, only people suing are BJP office-holders,” said senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, as quoted by legal website Live Law.<o:p></o:p>

“The judge treats this as a serious offence involving a moral turpitude. This is a non-cognisable, bailable, and compoundable offence. The offence was not against society, not kidnapping, rape, or murder. How can this become an offence involving moral turpitude?” Singhvi quizzed.

WATCH |&nbsp;Modi surname case I Rahul won’t apologise: ‘Gross abuse of judicial process’

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“In the democracy, we have dissent, in democracy we have disagreement. What we call ‘shaleen bhasha’. Gandhi is not a hardened criminal. There are many cases filed by BJP workers, but there was never any conviction. Gandhi has already missed two sessions of the Parliament,” he added.<o:p></o:p>

Replying to the arguments of Singhvi, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, who appeared for complainant Purnesh Modi, stated that the entire speech was more than 50 minutes long and they have a plethora of clippings of the speech and evidence attached in the Election Commission of India’s record.<o:p></o:p>

The Supreme Court stated that it wanted to know why Gandhi was given the maximum sentence. “Had the judge given a sentence of 1 year and 11 months, then he (Rahul Gandhi) would not have been disqualified,” the Supreme Court stated.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Gandhi back in Parliament,&nbsp;Priyanka&nbsp;Gandhi says 'Satyameva Jayate'</h2>

After the court's order,&nbsp;Gandhi became eligible to return to Parliament as a member as early as Monday, said two officials on Friday, adding that the verdict has paved the way for the revival of his membership of the House.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, hailing the decision of Supreme Court, cited&nbsp;Gautam Buddha's quote&nbsp;which said “Truth cannot be long hidden”.

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth” ~Gautama Buddha," wrote Priyanka Gandhi on X (formerly Twitter). Gandhi further thanked the&nbsp;court for the “fair” decision&nbsp;and said “Satyameva Jayate”.

&nbsp;

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India’s Supreme Court, in its interim order, placed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction on hold in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark on Friday (August 4).

India’s Supreme Court, in its interim order, placed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction on hold in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark on Friday (August 4). In its verdict, the apex court said, “There is no doubt that utterances are not in good taste, person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches.” The court accepted his affidavit in the contempt petition and observed that Gandhi ought to have been more careful. Supreme Court said that the trial court judge did not give any reason for imposing the maximum sentence on Gandhi and added that the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication. Granting relief to the Congress leader, Supreme Court said that the ramifications of the order given by the trial court are wide. “Not only was Gandhi’s right to continue in public life affected but also that of the electorate who elected him,” said the court. #BREAKING Supreme Court stays Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark. The conviction in the case had led to his disqualification as MP. pic.twitter.com/JCmbPdyVHX — INC TV (@INC_Television) August 4, 2023 × Gandhi’s conviction in the 'Modi surname' remark case led to his disqualification as MP. The court was hearing a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi which challenged the verdict delivered by Gujarat HC that had declined to put on hold his conviction. ALSO READ | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushes back against PM Modi over INDIA remarks Heated arguments Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Rahul Gandhi in the court, said that the comments of the former Congress president on the “Modi surname” were not an offence against society, reported news agency ANI. “First of all, Purnesh Modi’s (complainant) original surname is not Modi…He changed his surname… Not a single of the persons Gandhi had named during his speech have sued. Interestingly, everybody who is aggrieved in this very ‘small’ community in 13 crores, only people suing are BJP office-holders,” said senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, as quoted by legal website Live Law. “The judge treats this as a serious offence involving a moral turpitude. This is a non-cognisable, bailable, and compoundable offence. The offence was not against society, not kidnapping, rape, or murder. How can this become an offence involving moral turpitude?” Singhvi quizzed. WATCH | Modi surname case I Rahul won’t apologise: ‘Gross abuse of judicial process’ “In the democracy, we have dissent, in democracy we have disagreement. What we call ‘shaleen bhasha’. Gandhi is not a hardened criminal. There are many cases filed by BJP workers, but there was never any conviction. Gandhi has already missed two sessions of the Parliament,” he added. Replying to the arguments of Singhvi, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, who appeared for complainant Purnesh Modi, stated that the entire speech was more than 50 minutes long and they have a plethora of clippings of the speech and evidence attached in the Election Commission of India’s record. The Supreme Court stated that it wanted to know why Gandhi was given the maximum sentence. “Had the judge given a sentence of 1 year and 11 months, then he (Rahul Gandhi) would not have been disqualified,” the Supreme Court stated. Gandhi back in Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi says 'Satyameva Jayate' After the court's order, Gandhi became eligible to return to Parliament as a member as early as Monday, said two officials on Friday, adding that the verdict has paved the way for the revival of his membership of the House. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, hailing the decision of Supreme Court, cited Gautam Buddha's quote which said “Truth cannot be long hidden”. “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth” ~Gautama Buddha," wrote Priyanka Gandhi on X (formerly Twitter). Gandhi further thanked the court for the “fair” decision and said “Satyameva Jayate”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India’s Supreme Court stays conviction of Rahul Gandhi in 'Modi surname' criminal defamation case

The Gujarat high court announced on Saturday (April 29)&nbsp;that it will continue hearing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on May 2 in which he is contesting the Surat sessions court's decision to deny a stay of his conviction in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remark regarding the "Modi surname."

Gandhi filed a criminal revision&nbsp;application&nbsp;with the Gujarat high court, challenging the ruling of the sessions court. Justice Hemant Prachchhak took up the case, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;

Gandhi's readmission as a member of Parliament could be possible if the high court accepts his appeal.&nbsp;After the case was brought before the high court judge&nbsp;Justice Gita Gopi on Wednesday for an urgent hearing, she decided not to hear it.

The court of Justice Prachchhak was then given the case.&nbsp;Gandhi is being represented in the high court by renowned attorney and Congress politician Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

On March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat condemned the former president of the Congress to two years in prison after holding him guilty of violating Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a case brought by Gujarat MLA for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Purnesh Modi in 2019.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-ban-sugar-exports-amid-decline-in-production-report-587295">India to ban sugar exports amid decline in production: Report</a>

Gandhi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 from the parliamentary constituency of Wayanad in Kerala, was later declared ineligible to serve as an MP under the terms of the Representation of the People Act.

He filed a petition for a stay of the conviction along with a challenge to the ruling before the Surat sessions court.

The judge on April 20 granted him bail but declined to stay the conviction.&nbsp;Gandhi's "How come all thieves have Modi surname" comment caused Purnesh Modi to initiate a criminal defamation lawsuit against him.

<h2>Important points on the defamation case</h2>

-&nbsp;Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi, told the High Court that "very serious ex-facie vitiating factors of the trial raise grave apprehensions about the process of trial that led to the conviction."

-&nbsp;In his appeal in the Surat court to freeze the conviction,&nbsp;Gandhi said the court treated him harshly and was overwhelmingly influenced by his status as an MP.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;SCO Summit 2023: Rajnath Singh chairs SCO Defence Ministers meeting in New Delhi

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-&nbsp;The judge disagreed with Gandhi's contention and said he had "failed to satisfy that by not staying the conviction and denying an opportunity to contest the election, an irreversible and irrevocable damage will be caused to him".

-&nbsp;Aiming at the Prime Minister over his surname, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, Rahul Gandhi stated during the Lok Sabha election campaign in 2019: "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Gujarat high court announced on Saturday (April 29) that it will continue hearing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on May 2 in which he is contesting the Surat sessions court's decision to deny a stay of his conviction in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remark regarding the "Modi surname.

The Gujarat high court announced on Saturday (April 29) that it will continue hearing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on May 2 in which he is contesting the Surat sessions court's decision to deny a stay of his conviction in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remark regarding the "Modi surname." Gandhi filed a criminal revision application with the Gujarat high court, challenging the ruling of the sessions court. Justice Hemant Prachchhak took up the case, as reported by PTI. Gandhi's readmission as a member of Parliament could be possible if the high court accepts his appeal. After the case was brought before the high court judge Justice Gita Gopi on Wednesday for an urgent hearing, she decided not to hear it. The court of Justice Prachchhak was then given the case. Gandhi is being represented in the high court by renowned attorney and Congress politician Abhishek Manu Singhvi. On March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat condemned the former president of the Congress to two years in prison after holding him guilty of violating Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a case brought by Gujarat MLA for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Purnesh Modi in 2019. ALSO READ | India to ban sugar exports amid decline in production: Report Gandhi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 from the parliamentary constituency of Wayanad in Kerala, was later declared ineligible to serve as an MP under the terms of the Representation of the People Act. He filed a petition for a stay of the conviction along with a challenge to the ruling before the Surat sessions court. The judge on April 20 granted him bail but declined to stay the conviction. Gandhi's "How come all thieves have Modi surname" comment caused Purnesh Modi to initiate a criminal defamation lawsuit against him. Important points on the defamation case - Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul Gandhi, told the High Court that "very serious ex-facie vitiating factors of the trial raise grave apprehensions about the process of trial that led to the conviction." - In his appeal in the Surat court to freeze the conviction, Gandhi said the court treated him harshly and was overwhelmingly influenced by his status as an MP. ALSO WATCH | SCO Summit 2023: Rajnath Singh chairs SCO Defence Ministers meeting in New Delhi - The judge disagreed with Gandhi's contention and said he had "failed to satisfy that by not staying the conviction and denying an opportunity to contest the election, an irreversible and irrevocable damage will be caused to him". - Aiming at the Prime Minister over his surname, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, Rahul Gandhi stated during the Lok Sabha election campaign in 2019: "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Gujarat High Court to resume hearing Rahul Gandhi’s defamation case appeal on May 2

A Surat court on Thursday (April 20) rejected the application filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 defamation case on the "Modi surname" remark. The court of additional sessions judge R P Mogera rejected Gandhi's application for relief pending his appeal against a lower court's order sentencing him to two years in jail in the case.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-st-quota-should-be-proportional-to-their-population-rahul-gandhi-in-kolar-583072">Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption'</a>

Gandhi, who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha, will now have to appeal in the Gujarat High Court or the Supreme Court against the Surat Court's order.&nbsp;

On April 3,&nbsp;the Surat Sessions Court granted bail to Gandhi, who had filed an appeal following his conviction in the case.

While granting bail to him, the court also issued notices to complainant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purnesh Modi and the state government on the Congress leader`s plea for a stay on his conviction. It heard both parties and then reserved the order for April 20.

The defamation case is related to a remark Gandhi made using "Modi"&nbsp;during a rally ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;"How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally in Karnataka.&nbsp;

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We will continue to avail all options still available to us under the law. <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrAMSinghvi</a> will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4pm.
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Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the party would continue to avail all options still available under the law. "Dr A M Singhvi will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4 pm," Ramesh added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Surat court on Thursday (April 20) rejected the application filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 defamation case on the "Modi surname" remark.

A Surat court on Thursday (April 20) rejected the application filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 defamation case on the "Modi surname" remark. The court of additional sessions judge R P Mogera rejected Gandhi's application for relief pending his appeal against a lower court's order sentencing him to two years in jail in the case. ALSO READ | Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption' Gandhi, who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha, will now have to appeal in the Gujarat High Court or the Supreme Court against the Surat Court's order. On April 3, the Surat Sessions Court granted bail to Gandhi, who had filed an appeal following his conviction in the case. While granting bail to him, the court also issued notices to complainant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purnesh Modi and the state government on the Congress leader`s plea for a stay on his conviction. It heard both parties and then reserved the order for April 20. The defamation case is related to a remark Gandhi made using "Modi" during a rally ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally in Karnataka. We will continue to avail all options still available to us under the law. @DrAMSinghvi will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4pm. — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 20, 2023 × Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the party would continue to avail all options still available under the law. "Dr A M Singhvi will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4 pm," Ramesh added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Surat court rejects Rahul Gandhi's application seeking stay on his conviction in 2019 defamation case

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month.&nbsp;

The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises.&nbsp;

"If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-was-atiq-ahmed-indian-gangster-turned-politician-shot-dead-live-on-tv-583016">Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV</a>

"If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added.&nbsp;

"Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption."

Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less.&nbsp;

He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation."&nbsp;

Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that&nbsp;the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drug-addict-petty-criminal-and-vagabond-three-men-who-publicly-executed-atiq-ahmed-and-his-brother-582978">Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews</a>

He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011.

"Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities."

Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?."

This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP.

Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs.

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month. The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises. "If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi. Also read | Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV "If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added. "Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption." Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less. He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation." Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population. Also read | Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011. "Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities." Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?." This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP. Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption'

Rahul Gandhi, a member of India’s opposition Congress party and former MP, will challenge his conviction by the Gujarat court in the criminal defamation case.

It has been learnt that the Gandhi family scion will file an appeal on Monday at the sessions court in Surat city to set aside the magistrate court’s order that found him guilty of maligning people who have Modi surname.

He will be accompanied by senior state leaders and national leaders of the Congress party.

The conviction and two years' jail sentence in the criminal case of defamation had cost Gandhi&nbsp;his membership as a lawmaker in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament’s lower house).

If the higher court refuses to revoke the order, Gandhi won’t be allowed to contest elections for the next eight years, and the Lok Sabha seat, which he won from Kerala Wayanad constituency, will see by-polls.

On March 23, the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Varma convicted Gandhi and sentenced him to two years in jail in the 2019 criminal defamation case.

The case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister, Purnesh Modi, for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?"

The Congress leader made these remarks while addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, targetting PM Modi over his last name, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi.

Following his disqualification as a Member of Parliament, Gandhi was served a notice to vacate his official Delhi bungalow, as he was no longer entitled to it.

Congress dubbed the move a ‘conspiracy’ to ‘silence’ Rahul Gandhi as he was asking tough questions in the Parliament on Prime Minister's alleged closeness with industrialist Gautam Adani, whose conglomerate has been accused of "pulling the largest con in corporate history" by US-based short seller&nbsp;Hindenburg Research.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Rahul Gandhi, a member of India’s opposition Congress party and former MP, will challenge his conviction by the Gujarat court in the criminal defamation case. It has been learnt that the Gandhi family scion will file an appeal on Monday at the sessions court in Surat city to set aside the magistrate court’s order that found him guilty of maligning people who have Modi surname.

Rahul Gandhi, a member of India’s opposition Congress party and former MP, will challenge his conviction by the Gujarat court in the criminal defamation case. It has been learnt that the Gandhi family scion will file an appeal on Monday at the sessions court in Surat city to set aside the magistrate court’s order that found him guilty of maligning people who have Modi surname. He will be accompanied by senior state leaders and national leaders of the Congress party. The conviction and two years' jail sentence in the criminal case of defamation had cost Gandhi his membership as a lawmaker in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament’s lower house). If the higher court refuses to revoke the order, Gandhi won’t be allowed to contest elections for the next eight years, and the Lok Sabha seat, which he won from Kerala Wayanad constituency, will see by-polls. On March 23, the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Varma convicted Gandhi and sentenced him to two years in jail in the 2019 criminal defamation case. The case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister, Purnesh Modi, for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?" The Congress leader made these remarks while addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, targetting PM Modi over his last name, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. Following his disqualification as a Member of Parliament, Gandhi was served a notice to vacate his official Delhi bungalow, as he was no longer entitled to it. Congress dubbed the move a ‘conspiracy’ to ‘silence’ Rahul Gandhi as he was asking tough questions in the Parliament on Prime Minister's alleged closeness with industrialist Gautam Adani, whose conglomerate has been accused of "pulling the largest con in corporate history" by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to challenge defamation case conviction on Monday

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lower House of the parliament.

The petition filed by scholar and social activist&nbsp;Aabha Muralidharan&nbsp;on Saturday has urged the apex court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case, according to legal news portal Bar and Bench.

The petitioner said that factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act.

On Friday, Rahul, MP from southern Kerala state’s Wayanad constituency, was disqualified from the Lok Sabha after he was found guilty and sentenced to two years prison by a court in Surat city of the western state Gujarat in a&nbsp;2019 defamation case.

<h2>Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi expelled from Lok Sabha following conviction in defamation case</h2>

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The defamation case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?"

Reacting to his disqualification, Rahul said he is ready to "pay any price".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-parliament-what-next-for-the-indian-opposition-leader-575354">Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Lok Sabha. What next for India’s oppn leader?</a>

"I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any price," he tweeted in Hindi on Friday.

Following his expulsion, the former Congress chief's Wayanad seat also fell vacant. Bypolls to vacant seats in the Parliament and state legislatures must be held within six months from when the seat falls vacant, according to Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 2015.

While addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul targeted PM Modi over his last name which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lower House of the parliament.

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lower House of the parliament. The petition filed by scholar and social activist Aabha Muralidharan on Saturday has urged the apex court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case, according to legal news portal Bar and Bench. The petitioner said that factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act. On Friday, Rahul, MP from southern Kerala state’s Wayanad constituency, was disqualified from the Lok Sabha after he was found guilty and sentenced to two years prison by a court in Surat city of the western state Gujarat in a 2019 defamation case. Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi expelled from Lok Sabha following conviction in defamation case The defamation case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?" Reacting to his disqualification, Rahul said he is ready to "pay any price". Also read | Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Lok Sabha. What next for India’s oppn leader? "I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any price," he tweeted in Hindi on Friday. Following his expulsion, the former Congress chief's Wayanad seat also fell vacant. Bypolls to vacant seats in the Parliament and state legislatures must be held within six months from when the seat falls vacant, according to Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 2015. While addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul targeted PM Modi over his last name which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Activist files plea in India’s apex court against law that stripped Rahul Gandhi of his MP status

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who belongs to the Congress party, was disqualified from parliament on Friday (March 24) after a court found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case a day earlier.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who belongs to the Congress party, was disqualified from parliament on Friday (March 24) after a court found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case a day earlier. Rahul was granted bail by the court and his jail sentence has been suspended for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court. On Thursday, a Surat court sentenced Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' thieves remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka. Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years. The Congress party said on Friday that it would legally and politically challenge Gandhi's disqualification. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the disqualification was lawful and that Gandhi insulted a community at the time of the elections. Who is Rahul Gandhi? Rahul Gandhi, 52, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty. He was born on June 19, 1970, to Rajiv Gandhi (the former prime minister of India) and Sonia Gandhi. His father Rajiv Gandhi, the sixth prime minister of the country, was assassinated on May 21, 1991. Rahul Gandhi saw himself pursuing his undergraduate studies at Delhi University's St Stephens College before moving to Harvard University. Due to the security threats following the assassination of his father, Gandhi shifted to Rollins College in Florida where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1994. He went on to pursue and complete his M.Phil from Trinity College, Cambridge in the year 1995, according to the Congress party's website. After completing his higher education, Gandhi initiated his professional vocation with the Monitor Group, a management consulting firm in London. He subsequently returned to India and established a technology outsourcing firm called Backops Services Private Ltd. in Mumbai where he was one of the directors, the website says. Entry into politics Rahul Gandhi announced his entry into Indian politics in 2004 and said that he would contest the general elections in India from his late father's constituency Amethi, a seat which he retained in the 2009 and 2014 general elections. On September 24, 2007, during a reorganisation of the party secretariat, Gandhi was appointed the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). He was also given charge of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and the Indian Youth Congress (IYC). Click here to follow all LIVE Updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification In 2013, Gandhi became the vice-president of the Congress party. 2011 arrest According to the Congress party's website, Rahul Gandhi was arrested on May 11, 2011, in Uttar Pradesh's Bhatta Parsaul village for lending his support to protesting farmers who were rightfully claiming greater compensation for their land that had been acquired by the authorities for a highway project. He was later released on bail. Congress President In 2017, Rahul Gandhi became president of the Congress party and held this position till 2019. In the 2019 general elections, Gandhi contested from two constituencies, Amethi and Wayanad. He won the Wayanad seat but lost in Amethi. And after the party's poor performance in the elections, Gandhi took responsibility for it and announced he was stepping down from the top post. Sharing a four-page letter on Twitter on July 3, 2019, Gandhi said it was an honour for him to serve the Congress "whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation." In the letter, Gandhi said, "As President of the Congress party, I am responsible for the loss of the 2019 election. Accountability is critical for the future growth of our party. It is for this reason I have resigned as Congress President." Following his resignation, his mother Sonia Gandhi became the party's interim president till 2022 after which Mallikarjun Kharge took over the top post. The 2019 defamation case On Thursday (March 23), Rahul Gandhi was convicted for a 2019 speech in which he referred to thieves as having the surname Modi. The court granted him bail immediately and suspended the sentence for a month. The case against Gandhi was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi. And a day later, on Friday, he was disqualified from parliament. Is there any other defamation case against Gandhi? Yes, there are many defamation cases against the Congress leader including the Ahmedabad defamation case, the Patna defamation case and the RSS defamation case Disqualification from parliament On Friday, a parliament notice said that Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice read. The Congress said on Friday that the action against Gandhi was driven by political vendetta. "He has been removed from the House for speaking the truth, fighting for the Constitution and for people's rights," Congress president Kharge said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader in Indian politics, was disqualified from parliament on Friday (March 24). Gandhi's disqualification comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader in Indian politics, was disqualified from parliament on Friday (March 24). Gandhi's disqualification comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday. Gandhi, 52, was granted bail and his jail sentence has been suspended for 30 days allowing him to appeal to a higher court. Following his disqualification, the Congress leader will not be able to contest elections for eight years. This comes as general elections will take place in India next year. The Congress has said that it would legally and politically challenge Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha. But what is next for Gandhi? The parliament notice on Friday said that Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. ALSO READ | Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament? Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution states that a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament if he is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament." The law made by Parliament in question is Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which disqualifies representatives on conviction. And this point applies to Rahul Gandhi's case. Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 says that a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his/her release. However, the disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker. The Congress leader will be moving the sessions court and the higher courts soon. Speaking to reporters on Friday, senior party leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi cited the Lok Prahari case and said that there is no automatic disqualification as Article 103 of the Constitution states that only the President has the power to disqualify after taking the advice of the Election Commission (EC). However, Singhvi said he had doubts if Gandhi`s membership will be restored if the sentence is stayed because things have moved at a lightning speed in the defamation case. Click here to follow LIVE updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification Another Congress MP and lawyer, Manish Tewari said under the Constitution, only the President has the power to disqualify an MP. Under COI powers to disqualify an MP lie with @rashtrapatibhvn -Article 103 if disqualification is incurred under Article 102 (1) (e). In Re Lok Prahari VS ECI (2018) 18 SCC 114 SC records EC’s contentions qua Lily Thomas but records no finding that disqualification is automatic pic.twitter.com/NGb0LepVjE — Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) March 24, 2023 × "Under COI powers to disqualify an MP lie with the President -Article 103 if disqualification is incurred under Article 102 (1) (e). In Re Lok Prahari VS ECI (2018) 18 SCC 114 SC records EC`s contentions qua Lily Thomas but records no finding that disqualification is automatic", Tewari tweeted. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however disagrees. Speaking to the Indian news channel NDTV, BJP MP and lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani said that by the operation of the law, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified, but the decision has to be communicated to the Speaker. "But as of today, he stands disqualified," Jethmalani added. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who was earlier with the Congress, told NDTV said that Gandhi stands automatically disqualified as an MP with his two-year jail sentence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader?

The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-convicted-in-2019-modi-surname-defamation-case-gets-two-year-jail-term-574899">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation</a> and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat&nbsp;read.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-defamation-case-live-opposition-meets-over-jail-sentence-575197">Click here to follow all LIVE Updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification</a>

On Thursday, the Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka.&nbsp; 
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Rahul Gandhi - Congress MP from Wayanad, Kerala - disqualified as a Member of Lok Sabha following his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. <a href="https://t.co/SQ1xzRZAot">pic.twitter.com/SQ1xzRZAot</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1639187379629228033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally. The criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress leader by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi.

Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence. 
 
As per Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.” 
 
The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker.

And Article 102 (1) (e) of the constitution states that if he/she is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament Explanation For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he/she is a minister either for the Union or for such state.&nbsp;

<h2>Reactions to Gandhi's disqualification</h2>

The Congress party on Friday reacted sharply to Gandhi's disqualification from parliament by saying it will fight this battle both legally and politically. "We will fight this battle both legally &amp; politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will hold a meeting at 5 pm to formulate a strategy as to how to proceed forward. "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth, but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, if needed we'll go to jail to save democracy," Kharge said, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
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"The day Rahul Gandhi raised questions against Adani and&nbsp;PM, this type of conspiracy was started to silence him. It's a clear case of anti-democratic, dictatorship attitude of BJP govt," Congress MP KC Venugopal said.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP, meanwhile, has defended Gandhi's disqualification. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel said that the disqualification was lawful and asserted that "everyone is equal before the law".

Speaking to the news agency ANI, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar said, "This is a court order, everyone should accept it. The court convicted him. The manner in which he insulted a community at the time of the elections...this has sent out a good message across the country."

"How can he (Rahul Gandhi) call the entire community "chor"? Freedom of speech does not mean defaming or insulting any community. He abused the OBC community, not criticised it. He is not even seeking an apology for his remarks. He also defamed the nation abroad," Union Minister&nbsp;Bhupender Yadav said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice.

The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat read. Click here to follow all LIVE Updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification On Thursday, the Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi - Congress MP from Wayanad, Kerala - disqualified as a Member of Lok Sabha following his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. pic.twitter.com/SQ1xzRZAot — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2023 × "How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally. The criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress leader by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi. Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence. As per Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.” The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker. And Article 102 (1) (e) of the constitution states that if he/she is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament Explanation For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he/she is a minister either for the Union or for such state. Reactions to Gandhi's disqualification The Congress party on Friday reacted sharply to Gandhi's disqualification from parliament by saying it will fight this battle both legally and politically. "We will fight this battle both legally & politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications. Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," he tweeted. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will hold a meeting at 5 pm to formulate a strategy as to how to proceed forward. "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth, but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, if needed we'll go to jail to save democracy," Kharge said, the news agency ANI reported. We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2023 × "The day Rahul Gandhi raised questions against Adani and PM, this type of conspiracy was started to silence him. It's a clear case of anti-democratic, dictatorship attitude of BJP govt," Congress MP KC Venugopal said. The ruling BJP, meanwhile, has defended Gandhi's disqualification. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel said that the disqualification was lawful and asserted that "everyone is equal before the law". Speaking to the news agency ANI, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar said, "This is a court order, everyone should accept it. The court convicted him. The manner in which he insulted a community at the time of the elections...this has sent out a good message across the country." "How can he (Rahul Gandhi) call the entire community "chor"? Freedom of speech does not mean defaming or insulting any community. He abused the OBC community, not criticised it. He is not even seeking an apology for his remarks. He also defamed the nation abroad," Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian parliament disqualifies Rahul Gandhi after court finds him guilty in 2019 defamation case

An Indian court on Saturday summoned vice-president of opposition Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, to appear before it next month in connection with a defamation case filed against him by Hindu right-wing organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. 
 
The Kamrup Metropolitan Court in northeastern Assam state sent out summons to the Congress scion to face trial under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Gandhi had alleged that RSS workers had stopped him from entering the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery in Assam, on December 12, 2015. 
 
&quot;The (&hellip;unclear) Kamrup Court has today taken cognizance of the offence and has issued summon against Rahul Gandhi as an accused to stand trial in the case under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code and his date of appearance is 29/9/2016,&quot; said complainant&#39;s lawyer, Vijon Mahajan. 
 
Gandhi&#39;s remarks triggered controversy when he alleged that women were made to sit at the entrance of the Satra, refusing him entry. An RSS volunteer Anjan Bora had filed a criminal defamation case against Gandhi in the court claiming that he had tarnished the organisation&#39;s image by saying he was not allowed by its members to enter the Vaishnavite monastery. 
 
Later, Satra officials denied the charges and condemned the act. In the suit, the complainant charged Gandhi with making false statements to defame the RSS. The RSS, the ideological root of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party, has been banned four times since its inception, once after a former member of the group assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. 
 
(Reuters)

Gandhi had alleged RSS workers had stopped him from entering the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery in Assam

An Indian court on Saturday summoned vice-president of opposition Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, to appear before it next month in connection with a defamation case filed against him by Hindu right-wing organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The Kamrup Metropolitan Court in northeastern Assam state sent out summons to the Congress scion to face trial under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Gandhi had alleged that RSS workers had stopped him from entering the Barpeta Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery in Assam, on December 12, 2015. "The (…unclear) Kamrup Court has today taken cognizance of the offence and has issued summon against Rahul Gandhi as an accused to stand trial in the case under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code and his date of appearance is 29/9/2016," said complainant's lawyer, Vijon Mahajan. Gandhi's remarks triggered controversy when he alleged that women were made to sit at the entrance of the Satra, refusing him entry. An RSS volunteer Anjan Bora had filed a criminal defamation case against Gandhi in the court claiming that he had tarnished the organisation's image by saying he was not allowed by its members to enter the Vaishnavite monastery. Later, Satra officials denied the charges and condemned the act. In the suit, the complainant charged Gandhi with making false statements to defame the RSS. The RSS, the ideological root of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, has been banned four times since its inception, once after a former member of the group assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. (Reuters)

India: Rahul Gandhi summoned by Assam court in RSS defamation case