Rahul Gandhi Convicted in Defamation Case Over Surname Comment

Congress Leader Sentenced to Two Years, Granted Bail

Surat Court today found Congress leader Rahul Gandhi guilty in a 2019 defamation case related to a comment he made about the Modi surname. He has been sentenced to two years but was granted bail after filing an application in the same court. This decision puts his position as a Member of Parliament in jeopardy.

The case was filed by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi, who accused Gandhi of offending the dignity of the entire Modi community with his remarks. Wayanad Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi made the controversial comments during a public meeting in Kolar, Karnataka, in the lead-up to the 2019 general elections.

The crux of the matter revolves around a statement made by Rahul Gandhi during his campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. At a rally in Kolar, Karnataka, he questioned why all thieves have the surname Modi, which provoked anger among people sharing the same surname.