Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to appear before the Sultanpur Civil Court on Friday to record his statement in connection with a defamation case filed over alleged objectionable remarks against Home Minister Amit Shah.
Rahul Gandhi arrived at Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport in Lucknow on Friday morning and proceeded to Sultanpur Civil Court to appear before the magistrate.
The court has granted him a final opportunity to record his statement in a defamation case filed by former District Cooperative Bank chairman and BJP leader Vijay Mishra over alleged objectionable remarks against Amit Shah made at a press conference in Karnataka.
Security at the court premises was significantly tightened, with a dog squad conducting searches and a heavy police force deployed to prevent lapses. The security detail includes one Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), four Circle Officers (COs), and other personnel.
Gandhi had previously appeared before the court on July 26, 2024, but missed subsequent hearings. On January 19, the court directed him to be personally present on February 20, describing it as his final opportunity to record a statement. Further proceedings will depend on Gandhi’s testimony before the court.
In view of his appearance, security arrangements at the Sultanpur civil court premises have been significantly tightened. A dog squad conducted a thorough search of the campus, and a heavy police force has been deployed to prevent any security lapses. The security detail includes one Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), four Circle Officers (COs), and additional personnel.
The case arised from an alleged defamatory statement by Gandhi against Shah at a press conference in Karnataka. Following the remarks, former District Cooperative Bank chairman and BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation complaint against Gandhi in the Sultanpur civil court.
The matter has been under hearing for some time. Gandhi had earlier appeared before the court on July 26, 2024. However, he subsequently remained absent on several hearing dates. On January 19, when he failed to appear again, the court directed him to be personally present on February 20, describing it as a final opportunity to record his statement.
Further proceedings in the case will depend on Gandhi’s appearance and statement before the court.