In a recent development, a court specializing in matters involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in India has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on July 2. This directive is in connection to a defamation case filed over Gandhi’s allegedly disparaging comments regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The case, which has been active since 2018, was initiated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Mishra.
During a court session held this Wednesday, an intervention was sought by Ram Pratap, expressing his desire to join the case as a party. However, this move was met with opposition from Santosh Kumar Pandey, the lawyer representing Mishra. Pandey argued that Pratap lacks a direct connection or stake in the ongoing matter, a sentiment echoed by Gandhi’s legal representative, Kashi Prasad Shukla. Ultimately, the court rejected Pratap’s petition and affirmed the requirement for Gandhi to personally attend the proceedings on the scheduled date.
The history of Gandhi’s interactions with the court includes his last appearance on February 20, coinciding with his “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” campaign in Amethi, where he received bail.
