Supreme Court Stays Criminal Defamation Trial Against Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks Against PM Modi
The Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, stayed further trial court proceedings in a criminal defamation case against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh issued notice to the Maharashtra government and complainant Mahesh Shrishrimal, seeking their responses within four weeks. The order came while the Court was hearing Gandhi’s challenge to a Bombay High Court decision that had refused to quash the criminal defamation proceedings against him.
Background of the Case
The case arises from remarks allegedly made by Gandhi during the political controversy surrounding the Rafale fighter jet deal in 2018. He reportedly used expressions such as “Choron Ke Sardar” and “Commander-in-Thief” while targeting the Prime Minister.
BJP member Mahesh Shrishrimal filed a complaint alleging that the remarks were defamatory. The complainant argued that the statements not only targeted the Prime Minister but also affected the reputation of BJP members.
In August 2019, a magistrate court in Mumbai issued summons to Gandhi in connection with the complaint. Gandhi challenged the proceedings before the Bombay High Court, seeking to have the case quashed.
Gandhi’s Challenge Before the Supreme Court
On September 8, 2026, the Bombay High Court refused to quash the summons and allowed the criminal defamation case to proceed. Gandhi subsequently approached the Supreme Court challenging that decision.
Before the Supreme Court, his counsel, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appeared on his behalf and referred to earlier judicial decisions while challenging the continuation of the proceedings.
Supreme Court’s Order
The Supreme Court issued notice returnable in four weeks and directed that further proceedings before the trial court remain stayed in the meantime. The interim order means that the trial court cannot proceed with the case while the stay remains in force.
The Supreme Court has not yet finally decided whether the complaint is legally sustainable or whether the alleged remarks amount to criminal defamation. The matter will be considered further after responses are received from the Maharashtra government and the complainant.
The order provides interim relief to Rahul Gandhi, but the criminal defamation case has not been finally quashed.
