Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to appear before a Special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, October 26, as the court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict in a long-standing criminal defamation case.
The case stems from a complaint filed on August 4, 2018, by Vijay Mishra, the then-BJP District Vice President. Mishra alleged that during a press conference in Bengaluru during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly election campaign, Gandhi made objectionable and defamatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was serving as the BJP National President at the time.
Santosh Kumar Pandey, counsel for the complainant, stated that the court had previously summoned Gandhi, after which the Congress leader appeared in person and secured bail.
Legal representatives noted that if sufficient evidence is established, the offence carries a maximum sentence of up to two years under Indian law.
Gandhi is expected to attend the court proceedings in person on Monday for the pronouncement. The outcome remains a closely watched legal milestone for both the Congress party and the ruling opposition in Uttar Pradesh.
