DefamationCase – Rahul Gandhi Files Fresh Surety in Bhiwandi Court
DefamationCase – Rahul Gandhi on Saturday personally appeared before a magistrate’s court in Bhiwandi to complete formalities in a long-running criminal defamation case dating back to 2014.
The Congress leader, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, attended the hearing to submit a new surety after his earlier guarantor, former Union Minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, passed away in December last year. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has now stepped in as the fresh guarantor in the matter.
Court Appearance to Complete Legal Formalities
Gandhi reached the court complex in Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district, accompanied by senior party leaders, including Sapkal. On his way to the court, a group of BJP workers staged a brief black-flag protest. Police personnel were present to ensure order, and proceedings inside the court continued without disruption.
The hearing itself was short. According to those present, the process of signing the bail bond and submitting the new surety documents was completed within approximately 30 minutes. With the formalities concluded, the court recorded Sapkal as Gandhi’s new guarantor in the case.
Counsel Expresses Confidence in Judiciary
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Gandhi’s advocate, Narayan Iyer, confirmed that the required procedural steps had been successfully completed. He stated that the defence maintains confidence in the judicial process and expects the matter to be decided on its merits.
Iyer also clarified that Gandhi has already been granted permanent exemption from appearing in person at future hearings unless specifically directed by the court. He noted that the day’s appearance was limited to completing bail-related formalities and did not involve any examination of the Congress leader.
With the surety issue now resolved, the trial is expected to move forward. The cross-examination of the investigating officer is likely to resume in the upcoming hearings. The defence, according to Iyer, will present its witnesses at the appropriate stage of the proceedings.
Background of the 2014 Complaint
The case stems from a complaint filed in 2014 by Rajesh Kunte, an activist associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Kunte alleged that during a campaign rally in Sonale village in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi made remarks linking the RSS to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
According to the complaint, the statement harmed the reputation of the organization. The case was filed under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with criminal defamation.
Over the years, the matter has moved through various procedural stages. The complainant’s cross-examination and re-examination have already been completed. The trial has continued in accordance with due legal process, with both sides presenting their arguments at different stages.
Political and Legal Context
The proceedings come at a time when defamation cases involving political leaders frequently draw public and media attention. However, Saturday’s appearance was procedural in nature and related specifically to the substitution of the surety following the death of Gandhi’s earlier guarantor.
Legal observers note that such requirements are standard practice when a surety is no longer available. The court’s acceptance of a new guarantor ensures continuity in the bail arrangement while the case remains under trial.
As the matter proceeds, the next phase will involve further examination of evidence and witnesses. The court has not indicated any change in the overall timeline of the trial.
For now, Gandhi’s compliance with the court’s direction has cleared the immediate procedural hurdle, allowing the case to move ahead in the ordinary course of law.