Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Jul 16: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA court in Lucknow on Tuesday in connection with a defamation case filed against him for allegedly making controversial remarks about Indian soldiers during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022.
The court granted Gandhi bail after he furnished a personal bond of Rs 20,000 and submitted two sureties of the same amount. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for August 13.
The Raebareli MP arrived at the court around 1:40 p.m., with the hearing beginning after the lunch recess. He spent about an hour at the premises, where tight security arrangements and police deployment were in place due to the high-profile nature of the case and a large gathering of Congress supporters, despite heavy rain.
Gandhi surrendered before the court, after which his legal team filed a bail application, which was promptly accepted. His appearance came days after the Allahabad High Court rejected his plea to quash the summons issued by the trial court.
The case stems from remarks made by Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he allegedly questioned the government’s silence over a clash between Indian and Chinese troops, saying:
“People will ask about the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but no one will ask about our soldiers being beaten by Chinese troops.”
The statement led to a defamation complaint being filed, and the trial court had previously issued multiple summonses. His repeated absence had led the complainant to request a non-bailable warrant.
During the hearing, Gandhi submitted an affidavit affirming his respect for the judiciary and commitment to regular court appearances going forward. Advocate Pradeep Singh, spokesperson of the Congress' Uttar Pradesh legal cell, reiterated Gandhi's faith in the rule of law.
The case is expected to continue drawing political attention as it proceeds toward trial.