Sultanpur: A special MP/MLA court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur on Monday acquitted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a 2018 criminal defamation case over remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, citing lack of evidence.
Gandhi appeared in person before Special Magistrate Shubham Verma for the pronouncement of the verdict. The Congress welcomed the decision, saying, “Truth alone triumphs.”
The complaint was filed on August 4, 2018, by BJP leader Vijay Mishra, a former chairman of the Sultanpur District Cooperative Bank, over Gandhi’s remarks about then-BJP president Shah at a campaign rally in Bengaluru ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections. The case was filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.
During the final hearings, Gandhi’s lawyer acknowledged that he had made the remarks but argued they were made in good faith, without any intention to insult anyone, and had been distorted and taken out of context. The complainant’s lawyer sought conviction, citing Gandhi’s admission.
Gandhi surrendered before the court on February 20, 2024, and was granted bail. His statement was recorded on July 26, 2024, followed by witness examinations.
An application to match his voice sample was rejected by the trial court in May 2026; subsequent challenges were dismissed by the district court in July and the Allahabad High Court in September.
Final arguments began on October 6 and concluded on October 12, with the verdict scheduled for October 26.
Earlier on Monday, vehicles in Gandhi’s convoy collided on the Purvanchal Expressway while he travelled from Lucknow to Sultanpur. His car was not involved, and the convoy continued its journey.
