Thane: In a recent development in Thane, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been fined Rs 500 by a magistrate court in connection with a defamation suit filed against him. The suit, brought forward by RSS activist Vivek Champanerkar in the Thane civil court, alleges that Rahul Gandhi linked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh. Champanerkar sought compensation of one rupee in this defamation case.
Rahul Gandhi's advocate, Aditya Mishra, revealed that the court imposed the fine due to a significant delay of 881 days in filing a written statement in response to the defamation case. Seeking condonation of the delay, Gandhi's lawyer, Narayan Iyer, explained to the court that Rahul Gandhi, being a resident of Delhi and a Member of Parliament, has extensive travel commitments to his constituency and various parts of the country. These commitments were cited as reasons for the delay in filing the required statement.
The court, acknowledging the explanation, mentioned in its order that the delay is condoned, provided Rahul Gandhi pays a fine of Rs 500 to DLSA, Thane. The court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on February 15, indicating that the legal proceedings will continue.
This development adds to the ongoing legal issues involving political figures, highlighting the intricate nature of defamation cases and the legal nuances associated with them. The fine imposed underscores the importance of timely responses in legal matters, even for prominent figures with busy schedules and national responsibilities. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the legal arguments unfold and whether any further developments arise in the subsequent hearings.
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