Supreme Court stays defamation case proceedings against Rahul Gandhi over 2019 remarks against PM
The Supreme Court of India has stayed proceedings in a 2019 defamation case against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi regarding remarks made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the complainant, scheduling further hearings for a later date.
Why it matters
This case involves high-profile political figures and raises significant questions regarding freedom of speech and legal accountability for political rhetoric in India.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) stayed further proceedings in a defamation case before a trial court in Maharashtra against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the complainant, M H. Shrishrimal, seeking their responses in four weeks.
"Issue notice returnable in four weeks. Further proceedings before the trial court shall remain stayed," the Bench ordered on a plea filed by Mr. Gandhi against a September 8 order of the Bombay High Court refusing to quash summons to him.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Raebareli MP, referred to earlier decisions of the top court and said the law is settled in the matter.
The Bench posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks.
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