A Surat court has deferred hearing on defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to December 10 for his derogatory remarks against PM Modi. During the hearing, Rahul Gandhi said he did not state anything wrong when he said all thieves share the Modi surname.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rahul Gandhi pleads not guilty in a criminal defamation case
Congress leader accused of defaming entire Modi community with his ‘thieves share Modi surname’ remark
Rahul Gandhi not required to remain present during next hearing on Dec 10

congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in the defamation case filed against him for his all thieves share the Modi surname’ remark.

During the hearing in the case, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told the Surat court that he did not say anything wrong when he said all thieves share the Modi surname.

Chief Judicial Magistrate B H Kapadia had in May issued summons to Gandhi after admitting a complaint filed by local BJP MLA Purnesh Modi under IPC sections 499 and 500, which deal with criminal defamation.

During the last hearing in July, the court had granted Gandhi exemption from personal appearance for that hearing and fixed October 10 as the next date of hearing.

Rahul Gandhi, back in the country, was welcomed by party workers in Surat on Thursday.

What is the case

The court, while admitting the suit, had held that there was a prima facie case of criminal defamation against the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad.

Narendra Modi… how come they all have Modi as common surname?

In his complaint, Purnesh Modi had said the Congress leader had defamed the entire Modi community with his statement. Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda on Tuesday held a meeting with local party leaders in view of Gandhi’s visit.