Allegations of Arrogance and Unrepentance: Purnesh Modi’s Affidavit Challenges Rahul Gandhi’s Conviction Appeal in Supreme Court
31-07-2023 : In a recent development, Purnesh Modi, the complainant in the defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court. In the affidavit, he criticized Rahul Gandhi’s behavior, referring to him as arrogant and unapologetic during the trial proceedings. Purnesh Modi urged the apex judiciary not to stay or set aside Rahul’s conviction.
The case, presided over by a two-judge bench led by Justice B R Gavai and Justice Prashant K Mishra, issued a notice to Purnesh Modi on July 21, seeking his detailed response to Rahul’s appeal. The case is scheduled for further hearing on Friday.
Purnesh Modi’s affidavit highlighted that when the Trial Court sentenced Rahul, the Congress leader displayed arrogance and showed no remorse or contrition. Rahul did not seek any mercy or apologize for defaming the individuals involved. On the contrary, he made a statement in a press conference asserting that he would not apologize as he was not a Savarkar but a Gandhi.
The affidavit also mentioned that on April 10, 2019, three days before the controversial speech, Rahul accused the Supreme Court of India of acknowledging that Mr. Modi was involved in corruption. Furthermore, Rahul had attributed the term “chor” (thief) to the chowkidar (watchman), leading to a contempt petition against him.
Purnesh Modi asserted that Rahul recklessly used defamatory language against a large group of individuals who were entirely blameless and shared a common surname and caste. These individuals had caused no harm to Rahul, but his personal hatred towards the elected Prime Minister led him to make grossly defamatory remarks against them.
According to Purnesh Modi, the petitioner (Rahul) deserves no sympathy regarding the sentence imposed. At the time of the offense, Rahul was the President of a national-level political party and a Member of Parliament. He had a responsibility to uphold high standards of political morality, but he failed to do so.
The affidavit also highlighted that Rahul seemed to suggest that a member of the Gandhi family would never apologize even if they baselessly slandered an entire community. This attitude, according to Purnesh Modi, disentitles Rahul to any relief in the form of a stay on his conviction, as it reveals arrogance, insensitivity towards the affected community, and contempt for the law.
The case continues to be closely watched as it unfolds in the Supreme Court.
