Bhiwandi: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appeared in court here on Saturday in connection with a criminal defamation case arising out of statements he made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign.Sources said Gandhi’s personal appearance was largely procedural and was necessitated by the recent death of his former sponsor, Shivraj Patel Chakurkar, who had secured his bail.With the death of the previous bail holder last month, the new bail procedures had to be completed before the court.
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The case goes back to a public gathering in Sonali village in Bhiwandi taluka during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, where Gandhi allegedly stated that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. After the speech, RSS office-bearer Rajesh Kunte filed a special complaint under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing Gandhi of defaming the organisation.Lawyer Narayan Iyer, who represents Gandhi, said the appearance was due to a new security being provided. “Gandhi was required to be present as a new sponsor was introduced after the demise of his previous sponsor. The hearing was primarily procedural,” Iyer told TOI.
On behalf of Gandhi, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal was presented as a new guarantor before the court. After providing Sapkal’s guarantee, Gandhi signed the bond, Iyer said.Iyer added that the matter has reached an advanced stage. “The chief examination and cross-examination of the complainant Rajesh Kunte has been completed. The trial is progressing,” he said.In view of Gandhi’s visit, Thane Police deployed additional personnel around the court building to manage crowds and ensure law and order.
