Non-Bailable Warrant Against Rahul Gandhihi in 2018 Defamation Case by Chaibasa Court
The MP-MLA Special Court in Chaibasa has issued a non-bailable warrant against senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with a 2018 defamation case, intensifying the legal troubles faced by the former Congress president. The court has directed Gandhi to appear in person on June 26, rejecting repeated pleas for exemption from his physical appearance.
Background of the Case
The case originates from alleged derogatory remarks made by Rahul Gandhi at a Congress party event in 2018. During the event, Gandhi reportedly stated:
“No murderer can become the National President in Congress. Congressmen cannot accept a murderer as the National President, this is possible only in the BJP.”
These comments were perceived to be directed at Amit Shah, who was the BJP’s National President at the time. Pratap Katiyar, a resident of Chaibasa, found the remarks defamatory and filed a formal complaint on July 9, 2018.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
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April 2022: The Chaibasa court issued a bailable warrant after no response was received from Rahul Gandhi.
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February 2024: Due to Gandhi’s continued non-appearance, the court escalated the matter to a non-bailable warrant.
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Gandhi’s legal team sought exemption from personal appearance, citing various grounds, but this was rejected by the trial court.
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Jharkhand High Court Intervention: Gandhi then approached the Jharkhand High Court, which provided interim relief and stayed the warrant for several months.
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March 2024: The High Court disposed of the petition, clearing the way for trial proceedings to resume at the lower court.
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With the case resuming in the Chaibasa court, Gandhi’s legal team again renewed their plea for exemption, which was once again turned down.
Parallel Legal Proceedings in Sultanpur
This is not the only defamation case Rahul Gandhi is facing over his remarks against Amit Shah. A similar case is underway in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi had appeared in person in that court in July 2023, marking compliance with legal procedures. However, the latest scheduled hearing on May 17, 2025, could not take place due to a lawyers’ workshop.
Both cases highlight the continued legal scrutiny over statements made by political leaders during high-stakes campaigning. These defamation cases have gained traction in the courts amid heightened political polarization and ongoing debates about the limits of free speech in political discourse.
Political Reactions
While the Congress party has not officially responded to the latest warrant, sources within the party view the move as part of a broader trend of targeting opposition leaders through legal mechanisms. BJP leaders, on the other hand, maintain that defamation laws must be upheld and that no individual is above the law, regardless of political stature.
As the June 26 court appearance deadline approaches, political observers and legal experts are closely watching whether Rahul Gandhi will comply with the Chaibasa court’s order—or take further legal recourse to avoid arrest.
|Also Read :Chaibasa court asks Rahul Gandhi to appear in defamation case before June 26|
|Also Read : BJP Comes Down Heavily on Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks on Operation Sindoor |
