Rahul Gandhi Expresses Regret in Defamation Case Filed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Son

Jabalpur, Jun 25: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has submitted an application before the Madhya Pradesh High Court expressing regret in connection with a defamation case initiated by Kartikeya Singh Chouhan, son of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The development came during proceedings related to Gandhi’s petition challenging a summons issued by a Bhopal court in a complaint alleging damage to Kartikeya Chouhan’s reputation. Through his counsel, the Congress MP informed the High Court that the remarks under scrutiny were not directed at the complainant.

The dispute stems from a speech delivered by Gandhi during an election campaign in Jhabua in 2018. Kartikeya Chouhan contended that his name was linked to references concerning the Panama Papers controversy, resulting in reputational harm. Based on the complaint, the special court handling cases involving MPs and MLAs had issued a summons requiring Gandhi’s personal appearance.

Seeking relief, Gandhi approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, requesting the quashing of both the summons and the underlying criminal complaint. In his latest submission, he reiterated that the statement cited in the proceedings had no connection with Kartikeya Chouhan.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the petitioner placed records from the lower court before the High Court in compliance with earlier directions. Advocate Sankalp Kochhar appeared on behalf of the complainant.

Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday, when the court is expected to consider the submissions made by both sides regarding the maintainability of the complaint and the challenge to the summons.

The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of prominent political figures and is likely to remain under judicial scrutiny as the proceedings move forward.