In the Face of SC Relief, Rahul Gandhi Vows to Continue Upholding His Duty

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, in a criminal defamation case related to his “Modi surname” comments made during an election rally in 2019. This decision overturned a lower court order that led to his disqualification as an MP.

In response to the court’s decision, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter, asserting that his duty remains unchanged – to protect the idea of India. He thanked everyone for their support and expressed clarity about his path ahead.

Come what may, my duty remains the same.

Protect the idea of India.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 4, 2023

 

The Supreme Court, while hearing Rahul Gandhi’s appeal, acknowledged that his remarks were not in good taste for a public figure but stressed that disqualification has broader implications for both the individual and the electorate. The court also pointed out that the severity of the sentence was the basis for disqualification.

The original remark made by Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Karnataka’s Kolar in 2019 was a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it led to the defamation case. Rahul Gandhi had previously challenged his conviction before a sessions court in Surat, where the appeal is still pending.

Now, with the Supreme Court’s intervention, the case takes a new turn, and the political arena awaits the reinstatement of Rahul Gandhi. It remains to be seen how this situation unfolds in the coming days.