BHIWANDI: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi He appeared in court on Saturday in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remarks during the 2014 Lok Sabha campaign.Sources said Gandhi’s personal appearance was largely procedural and was necessitated by the recent death of his former surety, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, who had provided bail to Gandhi.As the previous surety passed away last month, new suretyship procedures need to be completed in court.
The case dates back to a public rally held at Sonale village in Bhiwandi taluka during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, in which Gandhi allegedly said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. After the speech, RSS president Rajesh Kunte filed a private complaint under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing Gandhi of defaming the organization.Gandhi’s lawyer Narayan Iyer said the appearance was mandatory as new sureties had been filed. “Gandhi was asked to attend as a new surety had been provided after the death of his previous surety. The hearing was mainly procedural,” Iyer told TOI.On behalf of Gandhi, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal appeared as the new surety. Iyer said after submitting Sapkar’s surety, Gandhi signed the bond.Iyer added that the matter was at an advanced stage. “The main inquiry and cross-examination of the complainant Rajesh Kunt has been concluded. The trial is on,” he said.In view of Gandhi’s visit, Thane police deployed more personnel around the court to manage the crowd and ensure law and order.
