Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in Defamation Case Over Remarks Against Amit Shah

Gandhi was present in court when the verdict was pronounced. The court held that his remarks did not amount to defamation, bringing an end to the case filed against him in 2018.

The complaint was lodged by Vijay Mishra, a local BJP leader and former chairman of the Sultanpur District Cooperative Bank, over comments Gandhi allegedly made during an election campaign rally in Bengaluru ahead of the 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections.

Case Stemmed From 2018 Campaign Remarks

According to Mishra’s complaint, Gandhi had questioned the BJP’s claims of promoting clean and honest politics while referring to a party president who was an accused in a murder case. The remarks were directed at Shah, who headed the BJP at the time.

Mishra alleged that the statement was defamatory and subsequently initiated legal proceedings against the Congress leader.

Gandhi appeared before the special MP-MLA court on Monday for the final proceedings. He travelled to Sultanpur via Lucknow ahead of the hearing.

Following the verdict, Congress leaders and supporters gathered outside the court and celebrated Gandhi’s acquittal with drums and slogans.

Speaking to reporters, Gandhi’s counsel, Kashi Prasad Shukla, said the legal team respected the court’s decision and maintained that the truth had prevailed.

“We respectfully accept the court's decision, and the truth has ultimately prevailed. Rahul Gandhi had to face many hardships during this period,” Shukla said.

Proceedings Continued for Several Years

The defamation complaint was filed in 2018 and was subsequently taken up by the special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur.

In February 2024, Gandhi appeared before the court and was granted bail on personal bonds. The proceedings continued after his appearance.

Earlier in 2026, the Congress leader travelled from Lucknow to the Sultanpur District Court under heavy security to record his statement. He had missed an earlier hearing scheduled for January 19, following which the court fixed February 20 as the next date.

After arguments from both sides concluded, the court delivered its verdict on Monday, acquitting Gandhi.

Before the ruling, Mishra’s counsel, Santosh Kumar Pandey, had outlined the possible outcomes, saying the court could either acquit Gandhi or convict him and determine the punishment after hearing arguments on sentencing.

Pandey had said the maximum punishment in the case could extend to two years’ imprisonment, along with a possible fine, depending on the court’s decision.

The acquittal concludes the defamation proceedings against Gandhi in this case.