Modi-Thieves Remark: On Wednesday, a judge at the Gujarat High Court withdrew from presiding over the appeal petition of Rahul Gandhi, a Congress party leader, who is seeking a stay on his conviction in a criminal defamation case.
Gandhi’s attorney, PS Champaneri, approached Justice Gita Gopi of the high court, requesting an urgent hearing for the case. The Assistant Government Pleader (AGP) objected, arguing that the matter should only be allowed for urgent circulation and not an immediate hearing.
Champaneri, on the other hand, opposed this and stated that it was a private complaint, and the state was not involved in it.
Following a brief hearing, Justice Gopi has withdrawn herself from the case and instructed the court registry to refer it back to the Chief Justice, who will then assign it to a different bench. In her statement, Justice Gopi explained that the case should not be presented before her court.
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Modi-Thieves Remark: The case in brief
On March 23, a magisterial Gujarat High court had convicted Gandhi in a criminal defamation case filed against him by Surat BJP MLA and former minister Purnesh Modi. Gandhi was given the maximum jail term of two years under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.
The case has now been transferred to a new bench, as per Justice Gopi’s instructions.
Within 24 hours, he was disqualified as a member of parliament (MP). On Saturday, he had to vacate his official bungalow in Delhi he was occupying as an MP representing Wayanad constituency.
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