Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in Amit Shah Defamation Case
Rahul Gandhi acquitted in a 2018 defamation case over remarks against Amit Shah. A Sultanpur court found his statements not defamatory today, October 26, 2026.
The Cliff News | 26 October 2026
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been acquitted by a court in Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur in a criminal defamation case stemming from remarks he made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018. The Special MP-MLA Court delivered its verdict today, stating that Gandhi's statements were not of a defamatory nature.
Gandhi, who currently serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, appeared in person before the court for the pronouncement of the judgment. The case was filed by Vijay Mishra, who was then the BJP District Vice President, accusing Gandhi of defamation under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Background of the Defamation Case
The legal proceedings originated from remarks made by Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Bengaluru in 2018, ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections. Vijay Mishra stated that he felt pained by the allegations, given his 33-year tenure as a party worker. He had informed ANI on November 28, 2023, that the complaint was pursued through his lawyer for nearly five years.
Previously, in 2023, Gandhi had appeared before the court and secured bail. The court had initially set October 13 for the verdict, which was later rescheduled to October 26.
Court's Pronouncement and Legal Representation
The court's decision today declared Rahul Gandhi 'not guilty,' finding that his 2018 remarks did not constitute defamation. The judgment was delivered in the presence of the Congress MP.
Representing Rahul Gandhi were Senior Advocate RS Cheema, along with advocates Kashi Shukla, Tarannum Cheema, Prasanna S, and Akash Singh.
Congress Reaction to the Verdict
Ahead of the court's pronouncement, Aradhana Mishra 'Mona', the Uttar Pradesh Congress president, expressed confidence in the judiciary. Speaking to PTI Videos, she had stated, "We have complete faith in the judiciary. Rahul Gandhi ji is going to Sultanpur for that case only." The acquittal is likely to be seen as a significant relief for the Congress party.