A Bhiwandi court today granted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi permanent exemption from appearing in criminal defamation proceedings begun against him on the basis of a complaint filed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Rajesh Kunte.
The RSS leader initiated the defamation case after Gandhi stated in one of his speeches that the RSS was responsible for Mahatma Gandhi’s death.
Proceedings in the case were ongoing before the judicial magistrate of Bhiwandi, Maharashtra since 2014.
Gandhi had appeared before the magistrate in June 2018 and pleaded not guilty, after which the trial began.
Gandhi moved an application in 2022 seeking permanent exemption from appearing in court on the grounds that he was a Member of Parliament who needed to visit his constituency and attend to party work.
On April 1, Advocate Prabhod Jaywant, representing the complainant, filed an application opposing the exemption. He brought on additional facts, such as Gandhi’s conviction in a defamation case by a Surat court, his two-year prison sentence, and his subsequent disqualification as MP.
Advocate NV Iyyer, appearing for Gandhi stated that his client had challenged the Surat court’s order. He further contended that the new developments could not jeopardise or dismiss the already filed exemption application.
After hearing all parties, judicial magistrate LC Wadikar allowed the permanent exemption application today.
The judge will now start with recording of evidence from June 3, 2023.
