SC to hear Rahul Gandhi's plea to stay his conviction in Modi surname defamation case tomorrow

The Supreme Court will hear Rahul Gandhi's plea to stay his conviction in the Modi surname defamation case tomorrow.

Updated on: Jul 20, 2023, 20:41:12 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Supreme Court is set to hear Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea challenging the Gujarat high court order that refused to put on hold his conviction and a two-year jail term in the Modi surname defamation case. The appeal was filed on July 15, with Gandhi saying that if the judgment has not stayed, it would “lead to throttling of free speech, free expression, free thought, and the free statement”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (ANI Photo)

Also read: No coercive action against Rahul Gandhi: Jharkhand HC on Modi surname case

“It would contribute to the systematic, repetitive emasculation of democratic institutions and the consequent strangulation of democracy which would be gravely detrimental to the political climate and future of India,” he added.

What is the Modi surname case?

In 2019, BJP leader Purnesh Modi filed a criminal complaint against Rahul Gandhi over his remark “How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?” during an election rally at Kolar in Karnataka on April 13, 2019.

Also read: Massive setback to Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname case by Guj HC: A timeline

On March 23, a Gujarat magisterial court convicted Gandhi in the case and sentenced him to two years imprisonment, which disqualified him as an MP under the Representation of People Act. He was declared disqualified as MP from Kerala’s Wayanad on March 24, following a notification of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

The Congress leader since then has approached the session court and high court to stay his conviction, but was turned down. He has now reached the apex court.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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