An MP-MLA court in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, has issued a non-bailable warrant against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. According to the reports, the non-bailable warrant has been issued in relation with a defamation case linked to comments made against Amit Shah, the former BJP president, during a Congress session in 2018.
Accused Rahul Gandhi, then addressing party members, implied that the BJP could elect a president facing “charges of murder.” These remarks led BJP leader Pratap Katiyar to launch a legal challenge on July 9, 2018, accusing Gandhi of defaming the party and its members.
The case initially lodged by Katiyar has seen various court proceedings since its inception. After being reviewed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Chaibasa, it was escalated to the Jharkhand High Court, which then ordered its transfer to the MP-MLA court in Ranchi in February 2020. However, the legal battle took another turn when it was redirected back to the Chaibasa court, where the proceedings continued, and Gandhi was repeatedly summoned.
Despite the court’s efforts to bring Gandhi to face the charges, he has consistently avoided appearing before it. His legal team’s attempts to secure an exemption from personal appearance were unsuccessful, with the Chaibasa court dismissing the plea. This led to a more severe measure with the issuance of a non-bailable warrant, demanding Gandhi’s presence in court by June 26. The escalation reflects the judiciary’s commitment to addressing the matter without further delay.
The Jharkhand High Court’s involvement provided a temporary reprieve for Gandhi when a plea to stay the warrant was considered. However, this relief was short-lived as the court disposed of the plea on March 20, 2024. The subsequent petition filed by Gandhi for exemption from personal appearance further illustrates the ongoing legal tussle, culminating in the recent stern directive from the Chaibasa court.
This legal ordeal underscores the complexities of political discourse and the legal ramifications that can ensue from public statements made by politicians. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how Gandhi responds to the court’s latest order and what implications this may have for political engagement and legal accountability in the country.Gaurav Sharma Oneindia