Rahul Gandhi moves Bombay HC to quash defamation case over remarks against PM

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi A petition was filed before the Bombay High Court on Wednesday, seeking quashing of the defamation case filed against him by a BJP supporter for his “commander-in-the-thif” remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Complainant Mahesh Srishrimal had said the remarks were made by Rahul Gandhi while attacking the prime minister in 2018 over the Rafale fighter jet deal.

After taking cognizance of the complaint, a magistrate’s court in Mumbai issued summons to Rahul Gandhi in October 2019. The former Congress president has not yet appeared in person before the magistrate. The petition for quashing of the defamation case was filed by Rahul Gandhi’s counsel Kushal Mor before Justice SK Shinde of the Bombay High Court, contending that the said remarks were made against the Prime Minister and the complainant is not the aggrieved party. Srishrimal had said that the sentiments of the Prime Minister’s supporters have been hurt by Rahul Gandhi’s statement. He had claimed that Rahul Gandhi had defamed not only the PM but also the members of BJP.