Rahul Gandhi Appears in Maharashtra Court for 2014 RSS Defamation Case

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the Bhiwandi magistrate’s court in Thane district on Saturday to furnish a fresh surety in a 2014 defamation case filed by RSS activist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member Rajesh Kunte. Gandhi’s Maharashtra chief, Harshwardhan Sakpal, was named as his new guarantor following the death of the previous surety, former Union Minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, in December last year.

On his way to court, Gandhi faced a black-flag protest by BJP workers, reflecting the political sensitivity surrounding the high-profile case. He arrived at the premises accompanied by Sakpal and other senior Congress leaders. The procedural formalities, including signing a fresh bail bond, were completed smoothly within half an hour.

Gandhi’s counsel, Narayan Iyer, confirmed to reporters that the legal requirements were successfully completed. He added that Gandhi has been granted permanent exemption from personal appearances in future hearings, while defence witnesses will be presented at the appropriate stage of the trial.

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The case stems from remarks Gandhi allegedly made at a rally in Sonale village during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, where he claimed that the RSS was behind Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. The complaint filed by Kunte under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code alleges that these statements defamed the organisation.

Cross-examination and re-examination of the complainant have already concluded, and the trial now moves forward with procedural matters completed. The next stage is expected to focus on the cross-examination of the investigating officer, with Gandhi himself not scheduled for examination during this appearance.

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