Karnataka High Court Stays Proceedings Against Rahul Gandhi for a Month in Defamation Case
Bengaluru:The Karnataka High Court on Friday stayed interim proceedings against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Keshav Prasad alleging “false” and malicious” advertisements placed in newspapers by the Congress party ahead of Assembly elections in 2023. The High Court posted the next hearing in the case to February 20 this year.
It may be recalled here that Rahul Gandhi appeared before the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bengaluru as per Court’s order on July 1, 2024.
BJP leader Keshav Prasad alleged the Congress party, then opposition party, placed advertisements accusing the BJP then ruling the State Government of indulging in 40 percent commissions in appointments to various government posts as well as transfers for cash in government departments.
The BJP leader contended that the advertisements by the Congress party were aimed at causing a dent on the image of the BJP and harm its chances of winning Assembly polls in 2023 by way of misleading voters.
He filed defamation cases against Rahul Gandhi including incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are on bail which they obtained in 2024.
