In a stunning turn of events that has given a breather to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in a defamation case over his controversial ‘Modi’ surname remark. This sensational decision comes as a response to the defamation case filed by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi, raising eyebrows across the nation’s political landscape.

Supreme Court’s Unexpected Decision

The bench, consisting of justices PK Misra and BR Gavai, expressed strong disapproval of the maximum sentence imposed on the Congress leader, stating that no specific reason was provided by the trial judge. Despite acknowledging that Rahul Gandhi’s comments were not in good taste, the justices made it clear that the severity of the punishment was unwarranted. The court further explained that if the sentence had been even a day less, the provisions for disqualification would not have applied.

In a dramatic conclusion, the court declared that the order of conviction needed to be stayed pending final adjudication, thereby restoring Rahul Gandhi’s status as Lok Sabha MP.

Defending Rahul Gandhi’s Stance

During the court proceedings, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Gandhi, argued that his client was not a hardened criminal, and no conviction in any case had occurred despite several cases being filed against him by BJP workers. Rahul Gandhi also told the Supreme Court that the original surname of former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi, who filed the defamation case against him, is not Modi and that he belongs to the Modh Vanika Samaj.

The Political Implications

This sensational ruling has not only reverberated through the legal community but also sent shockwaves across the political spectrum. The decision’s impact on Rahul Gandhi’s political career and the broader implications for political discourse in India are sure to be hotly debated in the coming days.

  BJP, BR Gavai, C, Congress, Gujarat, India, PK Misra, Purnesh Modi, Rahul Gandhi