Sultanpur, Feb 20: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi appeared before the Sultanpur Civil Court on Friday to record his statement in a defamation case linked to alleged remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Gandhi landed at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport earlier in the day and travelled to Sultanpur to comply with the court’s directive. The case was filed by BJP leader and former District Cooperative Bank chairman Vijay Mishra, who alleged that statements made by Gandhi during a press conference in Karnataka were defamatory.
The court had earlier granted him a final opportunity to record his statement after he remained absent on multiple hearing dates. He had previously appeared in the matter on July 26, 2024. On January 19, the magistrate directed him to be personally present on February 20, warning that it would be the last chance to do so.
In view of his appearance, security was intensified at the court complex. A dog squad conducted thorough checks of the premises, and a substantial police deployment was made, including an Additional Superintendent of Police and several Circle Officers, to ensure order.
The next course of action in the case will depend on the statement recorded and subsequent judicial proceedings.