The Legal Battle of Rahul Gandhi: A Defamation Case That Refuses to End

Delhi - In a protracted legal battle spanning over six years, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remains entangled in a defamation case that shows no sign of resolution. The case, filed in 2018 by BJP politician Vijay Mishra, stems from Gandhi’s alleged remarks about Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Karnataka assembly elections. Mishra claims the comments caused him personal distress, leading to legal action.  

The proceedings have been anything but swift. Gandhi’s repeated non-appearances led to a court-issued warrant in December 2023, forcing him to surrender in February 2024. He was later granted bail on two sureties of ₹25,000 each. In July 2024, he recorded his statement, strongly denying the allegations and calling the case a political conspiracy.  

Despite multiple hearings, the case continues to be delayed due to various reasons, including the absence of the presiding judge and the ill health of the complainant. On January 2, 2025, the special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur conducted a hearing where the complainant was cross-examined. However, the questioning remained incomplete, leading to yet another hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025.  

This prolonged legal battle highlights the slow pace of the judicial system while also reflecting the deep political rivalries shaping India’s political landscape. With no clear resolution in sight, the question remains—will this case ever reach a conclusion, or will it become another endless chapter in Rahul Gandhi’s political journey?