Rahul seeks permanent exemption from appearing in defamation case, arguments on May 9

Nashik: The court of additional chief judicial magistrate Rupali Narwadia has posted the matter of granting permanent exemption to personal appearance of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case for argument on May 9.

In the defamation case filed against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged objectionable remarks against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the court had ordered him to be present on March 1.

Defence lawyer Jayant Jaybhave, who appears for Rahul Gandhi in the case, told TOI, “After he was granted exemption by the court for being unable to be present today (March 1), we moved a permanent exemption petition. This has been posted for argument on May 9.”

The case dates back to Nov 2022 when Gandhi addressed a press conference in Hingoli and also addressed a gathering. Petitioner Devendra Bhutada, the president of Nirbhaya Foundation of Nashik, has claimed Gandhi’s statements then harmed the reputation of Savarkar and also tried to defame Savarkar’s image.

Manoj Pingle, the lawyer for the petitioner, claimed, “The petition for Gandhi sought permanent exemption or even virtual attendance in the case without appearing even once before the court. We objected to it given that CrPC (code of criminal procedure) states the accused should be present in person to file the bail bond and necessary security before being allowed the permanent exemption.”

Pingle claimed the court had asked Gandhi to remain present in person on May 9, the next date of hearing. However, Jaybhave said there is no order stating Rahul Gandhi’s personal presence in the court is needed.

Courtesy : TOI

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