Rahul Gets Bail from J’khand Court Over Defamatory Remarks on Shah
In a significant development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been granted bail by an MP-MLA court in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, in a case involving defamatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a 2018 rally. Gandhi appeared before the court on Wednesday, bringing an end to his brief detention.
The case dates back to June 2018, when Gandhi made some controversial remarks about Shah during a rally in Jamshedpur. The remarks were interpreted as defamatory by the prosecution, and Gandhi was subsequently booked under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with defamation.
The case took a new turn when Gandhi moved the High Court on June 2, challenging an earlier order of a special court that directed him to appear on June 26. Gandhi’s counsel argued that the special court did not have the jurisdiction to try the case, and that the matter should be heard by a regular court.
The Jharkhand High Court accepted Gandhi’s plea and directed the MP-MLA court in Chaibasa to hear the case. Gandhi appeared before the court on Wednesday, and the judge granted him bail after taking his statement.
Gandhi’s counsel argued that the remarks made by Gandhi during the rally were made in the heat of the moment, and that he did not intend to defame Shah. They also pointed out that Gandhi had already apologized for his remarks and had taken back his words.
The prosecution, however, opposed Gandhi’s bail plea, arguing that the remarks were intentional and had hurt Shah’s reputation. They also argued that Gandhi’s apology was not sufficient to excuse his actions.
The judge, after considering both sides of the argument, granted Gandhi bail on personal bond of Rs 5,000. Gandhi was also directed to appear before the court again on July 10 for further proceedings.
The bail comes as a relief to Gandhi, who had been facing the prospect of being detained for several days if he failed to appear before the court on June 26. The development is also seen as a setback for the prosecution, which had been seeking to make an example of Gandhi for his alleged wrongdoing.
Gandhi’s remarks during the 2018 rally had sparked a controversy, with many in the BJP accusing him of making personal attacks on Shah. The Congress, on the other hand, had defended Gandhi’s remarks, saying that they were made in the context of a political rally and did not constitute defamation.
The case is likely to have significant implications for Gandhi’s political career, given the controversy surrounding his remarks. However, for now, Gandhi can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that he has been granted bail and can continue with his political activities.
It remains to be seen how the case unfolds in the coming weeks and months. Will Gandhi’s bail be a blessing in disguise for him, or will the prosecution manage to build a strong case against him? Only time will tell.
