Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before an MP-MLA court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday in connection with a 2018 defamation case related to his alleged remarks against Union Minister Amit Shah.
Gandhi arrived at the court at around 10.40 am and recorded his statement before leaving at approximately 11.15 am after completing the required formalities. The court has scheduled March 9, 2026, as the next date of hearing. His counsel, Kashi Prasad Shukla, said Gandhi has been directed to present evidence in his defence.
As Gandhi exited the court premises, Congress supporters gathered outside and raised slogans in his support. He acknowledged them with a smile and a wave before leaving. According to Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai, Gandhi was scheduled to travel to Lucknow and later return to New Delhi.
Security was heightened in and around the court premises ahead of his appearance. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers, and a dog squad conducted thorough checks inside the civil court complex. Entry to the premises was closely monitored to maintain law and order.
The case stems from a complaint filed in 2018 by local BJP leader Vijay Mishra, who alleged that Gandhi made defamatory remarks against Amit Shah during the Karnataka Assembly election campaign that year, when Shah was serving as the BJP’s national president.
The trial has been ongoing for nearly five years. In December 2023, the court issued a warrant against Gandhi for failing to appear. He later surrendered before the court in February 2024 and was granted bail on two sureties of Rs 25,000 each. On July 26, 2024, Gandhi recorded his earlier statement in the case, maintaining his innocence and alleging that the charges were politically motivated.
The court will now hear the matter further after Gandhi presents evidence in his defence at the next hearing.
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