Jharkhand News : Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the MP/MLA court in Sultanpur on Friday in connection with a defamation case related to an alleged remark against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
During the hearing, Rahul Gandhi categorically denied all allegations, stating before the court that the case had been filed with political intent and malice, and that it lacked any substantive basis.
Rahul Gandhi remained in court for about 20 minutes, where his statement was recorded under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). His counsel, Kashi Shukla, informed the media that the court has fixed March 9, 2026, as the next date of hearing. On that day, both the complainant and the defense will present their evidence and arguments.
According to lawyers present in court, Rahul Gandhi greeted the judge respectfully with folded hands upon entering the courtroom and thanked the court after the proceedings concluded. Extensive security arrangements were in place during his appearance.
Earlier in the day, as Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Sultanpur court premises, Congress workers raised slogans of “Rahul Zindabad.” Some supporters attempted to garland him, but he politely declined and proceeded directly to the courtroom. Despite media attempts to speak with him, he refrained from making any public statement.
Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by several Congress leaders, including state Congress president Ajay Rai, though police restricted most leaders to areas outside the court complex. The administration deployed additional police personnel to maintain law and order.
Next Steps
All eyes are now on the March 9 hearing, which is expected to be crucial as the case moves into the stage of evidence and arguments.
Post-Court Visit
After the court appearance, Rahul Gandhi left for the shop of Ramchet Mochi, where he is scheduled to meet the bereaved family. Ramchet had passed away due to cancer three months ago. Notably, about a year earlier, Rahul Gandhi had visited Ramchet’s shop, stitched shoes alongside him, and later gifted him a sewing machine, a gesture that had drawn national attention.
