Supreme Court Stays Defamation Proceedings Against Rahul Gandhi Over 2019 Remarks Targeting Prime Minister

The Hindu•Published: Oct 13, 2026 01:29 PM IST

The Supreme Court has stayed criminal defamation proceedings against Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi concerning his 2019 remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh issued an interim order on Mr. Gandhi's petition, which challenged the Bombay High Court's refusal to quash the case.

Supreme Court Intervention: A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh issued an interim order pausing further trial court proceedings.
Notices Issued: The apex court issued notices to the Maharashtra government and complainant Mahesh Shrishrimal, requiring responses within four weeks.
Legal Representation: Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued before the court that the defamation complaint was entirely not maintainable.
Origin of Case: The complaint stems from 2018 remarks and a social media post where Mr. Gandhi allegedly used phrases targeting the Prime Minister over the Rafale deal.

Why it matters:This Supreme Court intervention halts a high-profile legal battle involving a prominent national political figure, carrying major implications for free speech, political rhetoric, and defamation laws in India. The final ruling will likely set a crucial legal precedent regarding whether political remarks directed at party leadership can form the basis of criminal defamation complaints by individual party members.

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