Complaint for remarks against PM Modi: HC refuses to quash 2019 summons to Rahul Gandhi
The Bombay High Court has refused to quash a 2019 defamation summons against Rahul Gandhi regarding his 'commander-in-thief' remark about PM Modi. The court found no illegality in the magistrate's order but granted a six-week stay to allow for an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Why it matters
Involves a high-profile legal battle between the leader of the opposition and the ruling party, impacting political discourse and legal precedents on defamation.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) refused to quash the summons issued to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in 2019 in a defamation complaint over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he had called a "commander-in-thief".
A single bench of Justice N.R. Borkar dismissed Mr. Gandhi's petition against the magistrate court's order.
The HC, however, continued its 2021 order directing the magistrate to defer hearing on the complaint for six weeks so that Mr. Gandhi can approach the Supreme Court in appeal.
Justice Borkar said the court did not find any "perversity and illegality" in the magistrate's order and hence no reason to interfere.
"This court finds no infirmity in the order. Hence, the petition is dismissed," the HC said.
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