Rahul Gandhi Directed to Appear Before Bengaluru Court on June 7th in Defamation Case

Court Grants Bail to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar

A special court for People’s Representatives in Bengaluru has directed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on June 7th in connection with a defamation case filed by the BJP. This directive comes as the court granted bail to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar, who are also implicated in the case.

Background of the Defamation Case

The defamation case was initiated by BJP general secretary Keshav Prasad, alleging that the Congress party disseminated false advertisements against the previous BJP government in Karnataka. The controversy stems from the Congress campaign during the 2023 Assembly elections, which accused the BJP administration of corruption with slogans like ’40 per cent Sarkara’ and ‘PayCM’, targeting the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. These slogans accused the BJP government of taking a 40% commission on public works and bribes in postings and recruitments.

Court Proceedings

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar appeared in person before the court, whereas Rahul Gandhi, scheduled to appear, did not attend. BJP advocates objected to Gandhi’s repeated absences and argued against granting him an exemption under CrPC 205. However, Congress advocates explained that Gandhi was attending the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi and was involved in the Lok Sabha polls, requesting an exemption from the current hearing. The court granted this request but directed Gandhi to be present at the next hearing on June 7th.

Statements from Congress Leaders

After the court proceedings, Siddaramaiah stated that the case is a civil matter and reaffirmed his respect for the judicial process. He also mentioned that he, along with Shivakumar and Gandhi, have sought a permanent injunction to avoid future court appearances in this matter.

D.K. Shivakumar defended the Congress advertisements, asserting they were based on statements made by BJP leaders, which were reported in the media. He expressed readiness to face the legal challenge, highlighting claims from BJP leaders about significant payments for government positions.

Implications

The court’s directive for Rahul Gandhi to appear on June 7th adds another chapter to the ongoing legal tussles between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka. This case underscores the political tensions and allegations of corruption that have marked the state’s recent political landscape.

Source Link

For comprehensive coverage of legal developments, business news, and real-time updates on law and politics, visit Kanishk Social Media. If you find this news article informative, please share it with a friend!