Rahul Gandhi Denies Defamation Charges in Sultanpur Court, Next Hearing March 9

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP/MLA court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday in connection with a defamation case filed over remarks made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018. During the proceedings, Gandhi categorically denied all allegations leveled against him. According to his legal counsel, the Congress leader stated that the case was filed with political malice and lacks any substantial legal foundation. The court appearance lasted approximately 20 minutes, during which his formal statement was recorded.

Court Proceedings and Section 313 Statement

Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Sultanpur court around 10:30 AM amid high security. His lawyer, Kashi Shukla, informed the media that Gandhi’s statement was recorded under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In his submission to the judge, Gandhi maintained that the charges were part of a political conspiracy to tarnish his image, while eyewitnesses in the courtroom noted that Gandhi greeted the judge respectfully and thanked the court after the recording of his statement was completed. The defense team emphasized that the remarks in question were taken out of context.

Background of the 2018 Defamation Suit

The legal dispute dates back to the 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections. It's alleged that during a press conference, Rahul Gandhi made derogatory remarks against Amit Shah, who was then the BJP National President. Following these comments, Vijay Mishra, a local BJP leader from Sultanpur, filed a defamation complaint on August 4, 2018. The complainant alleged that Gandhi's statements were intended to malign the reputation of the party leadership. The court had previously issued a summons, mandating Gandhi’s personal appearance to record his response to the evidence presented.

Security Logistics and Public Presence

The Sultanpur court complex witnessed a massive gathering of Congress supporters and lawyers as news of Gandhi's arrival spread. To manage the crowd, local police and security agencies implemented a multi-tier security plan. Despite the presence of thousands of supporters chanting slogans, the proceedings inside the courtroom remained orderly, while due to the overwhelming crowd at the main entrance, security personnel decided to escort Rahul Gandhi out through an alternative gate following the hearing to ensure his safe exit from the premises.

Visit to the Family of Ramchet the Cobbler

After the court hearing, Rahul Gandhi traveled to meet the family of Ramchet, a local cobbler who passed away due to cancer three months ago. Ramchet gained national attention last year when Rahul Gandhi stopped at his shop to stitch footwear during a visit to the region. Gandhi had later sent a stitching machine to assist Ramchet’s livelihood. During his visit today, Gandhi spent time with the bereaved family members to offer his condolences, highlighting his continued personal connection with the local community in Sultanpur.

Legal Timeline and Future Hearings

The MP/MLA court has scheduled the next hearing for this defamation case on March 9, 2026. On the upcoming date, both the complainant and the defense are expected to present their respective arguments and evidence before the court. The legal team representing Rahul Gandhi has indicated that they will continue to challenge the maintainability of the case based on the lack of factual evidence, while for now, the recording of the accused's statement marks a significant procedural step in the ongoing trial, which has seen multiple adjournments over the past few years.