“Thieves have Modi surname” remarks: Rahul pleads not guilty
Team Udayavani, Oct 10, 2019, 11:32 AM IST
Surat: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday appeared before a magisterial court and pleaded not guilty in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his “why do all thieves share the Modi surname” remarks.
Gandhi appeared before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate B H Kapadia here and pleaded not guilty when asked by the court whether he accept the charges, levelled against him by BJP legislator from Surat-West, Purnesh Modi.
After Gandhi’s plea was recorded, his lawyers moved an application seeking a permanent exemption from personal appearance in the next hearings. After Modi’s lawyers raised objection to the exemption plea, the court said it will decide on the plea on December 10.
The court said Gandhi is not required to remain present during the next hearing on that date.
During the last hearing in July, the court had granted Gandhi exemption from personal appearance for that hearing and fixed October 10 as the next date of hearing.
In his complaint, the BJP legislator had alleged the Congress leader had defamed the entire Modi community with his remarks, made during the Lok Sabha campaign this year.
The court, while admitting the suit, had held that there was a prima facie case of criminal defamation against the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad.
At a campaign rally at Kolar in Karnataka on April 13, Gandhi had said, “Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi… how come they all have Modi as common surname? How come all thieves have Modi as common surname?”
In his complaint, Purnesh Modi had said the Congress leader had defamed the entire Modi community with his statement.
Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda on Tuesday held a meeting with local party leaders in view of Gandhi’s visit.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
India, Australia strategic partnership growing steadily: EAM Jaishankar
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules
Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
India, Australia strategic partnership growing steadily: EAM Jaishankar
Davangere: MLA Basavantappa returns Rs 1.2 lakh left behind at shop
Ullal: Man attacked for allegedly providing information on illegal sand mining
Woman dies after being hit by luxury car driven by ‘drunk’ youth in Bengaluru
Woman dies after being hit by luxury car driven by ‘drunk’ youth in Karnataka
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.