Supreme Court Grants Relief to Rahul Gandhi in Rafale Case Over Remarks Against PM Modi

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has got relief from the Supreme Court in the defamation case related to his alleged remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Rafale fighter aircraft deal. On Tuesday, the apex court temporarily stayed the hearing going on in the lower court. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, while hearing Rahul Gandhi's petition, issued notice to the parties concerned and directed them to file their reply within four weeks.

What is the whole matter?

This matter is related to the political controversy that broke out in the country in the year 2018 regarding the Rafale fighter aircraft deal. During that time, Rahul Gandhi had allegedly used words like 'commander-in-thief' and 'choron ka sardar' while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A defamation complaint was filed against him regarding these comments. The complainant had alleged that Rahul Gandhi's statements had damaged the Prime Minister's image.

What order did the Supreme Court give?

While hearing Rahul Gandhi's petition, the Supreme Court bench has sought a response from the parties concerned in the matter. The court has given four weeks' time to file the reply. Also, an interim stay has been imposed on the proceedings going on in the lower court. After this order, the trial of the defamation case will not proceed further until further instructions.

Has the final verdict been reached in the case?

The Supreme Court order is currently being seen as an interim relief for Rahul Gandhi. The court has not yet given its final verdict on the merits of the case. The next situation in the case will be clear only after receiving the replies of the concerned parties and further hearing. For the time being, the stay on the proceedings of the lower court will remain in force.