The Supreme Court on Friday postponed the Congress’s conviction in the 2019 criminal defamation case over his Modi surname comment, which was a huge relief for Rahul Gandhi.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha, and PV Sanjay Kumar ruled that the trial court failed to provide cogent reasons for inflicting the maximum punishment of two years in prison provided by the Indian Penal Code for defamation.
Supreme Court’s 3 Key Observation
- The Supreme Court stated that while there is no doubt that the comments are not in good taste, a person in public life is obliged to show discretion when making public speeches. As this court noted in admitting his affidavit in the contempt petition, he (Rahul Gandhi) could have been more cautious.
- According to the Supreme Court, the trial court judge gave no grounds for imposing the maximum penalty of two years. The conviction order must be delayed awaiting the ultimate adjudication.
- While granting Rahul Gandhi relief, the Supreme Court stated that the trial court’s order has far-reaching implications. According to the court, Gandhi’s right to continue in public life was jeopardized, as was the right of the electorate who elected him.