SC pauses criminal defamation trial against Rahul Gandhi over remark against PM
The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the trial in a criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged "Commander-in-Thief" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale fighter jet deal.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Apresh Kumar Singh issued notice on Gandhi's plea and sought a response within four weeks. The order puts the proceedings against Gandhi in the lower court on hold for now.
The case stems from Gandhi's alleged remarks in 2018 during the political controversy surrounding the Rafale fighter aircraft deal. He had allegedly referred to Modi as "Commander-in-Thief" and used the phrase "sardar of thieves" against the Prime Minister.