Rahul Gandhi Seeks SC Relief to Quash Defamation Case Over Amit Shah Remark

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of a defamation case filed against him for allegedly calling Union Home Minister Amit Shah a “murder accused” during a speech in 2019. The plea challenges the criminal defamation proceedings initiated against Gandhi by a Gujarat court.

The case stems from Gandhi’s remarks made at an election rally, where he reportedly referred to Amit Shah as a “murder accused,” alluding to the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. Amit Shah was acquitted in 2014 by a CBI court, which found no evidence against him in the matter.

The petition filed by Gandhi argues that the statements were made in a political context and do not constitute defamation under the law. His counsel emphasized that criminal defamation should not be used to stifle political speech or dissent, a principle upheld by the Supreme Court in past judgments.

The Gujarat court had issued a summons to Gandhi in 2019, and the case has since been under litigation. The Congress leader’s legal team is seeking intervention from the apex court to dismiss the charges, citing an infringement on his right to free speech.

The Supreme Court has not yet listed the matter for hearing. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the interpretation of defamation laws in India, particularly in the context of political discourse.

Source: LiveLaw

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