The Jharkhand High Court recently stayed the arrest of Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi for a month in a criminal defamation case.

The bench of Justice Rajesh Kumar observed that since it is a bailable offence, the impugned order is kept in abeyance for a month enabling Mr. Gandhi to appear before the trial Court.

Pratap Katiyar, a resident of Chaibasa alleged that the Congress leader made a defamatory statement against the Union Minister and former BJP Chief Amit Shah in the Congress Convention in 2018.

In February, Special Court MP/MLA of Chaibasa district issued a non-bailable warrant against Rahul Gandhi for his non-appearance in the trial of criminal defamation case. The Court further refused his petition for appearance through a pleader and mandated his physical presence.

Hence, Rahul Gandhi approached the Jharkhand High Court through Advocate Kaushik Sarkhel challenging the decision of the Special Court.
The Court directed the lower Court to proceed accordingly and pass a new order in accordance with the law if Mr. Gandhi participated in the proceedings.
Accordingly, the Court disposed of the Criminal Writ Petition.
Cause Title: Rahul Gandhi v. The State of Jharkhand
Appearance:

Adv. Kaushik Sarkhel, Adv. Deepankar, Adv. Shray Mishra

Click here to read/download Judgment


Jharkhand High CourtJustice Rajesh Kumar

Tanveer Kaur