In this image received on Sept. 29, 2026, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi during a meeting with Chief Ministers, Education Ministers, and AICC In-charges, in New Delhi. (AICC via PTI Photo)
Sultanpur: Arguments in a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concluded before a Special MP/MLA Court here on Friday.
The court is expected to decide a date for pronouncing the verdict on October 12.
The case relates to Gandhi's alleged objectionable remarks against then BJP national president Amit Shah during an election campaign in Bengaluru in 2018.
Complainant Vijay Mishra's counsel Santosh Kumar Pandey said he presented his final rebuttal arguments on Friday after the defence submitted its written arguments.
Pandey claimed that Gandhi's defence admitted the incident and the speech in question in paragraphs 17 and 18 of its written submission, however, arguing that the remarks were made in good faith and without the intention of defaming anyone.
Arguing that the burden of proof now lay with the accused, the complainant's counsel urged the court to convict Gandhi, alleging that the remarks were made with malicious intent.
Mishra, a local BJP leader and former chairman of the district cooperative bank, filed the defamation complaint against Gandhi on August 4, 2018.
On November 27, 2023, the court summoned Gandhi to face the trial. He subsequently appeared before the court and secured bail.
Mishra later sought to match Gandhi's voice sample with the alleged remarks. The trial court rejected the plea, a decision upheld by the sessions court and the Allahabad High Court.
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