Rahul Gandhi Granted Bail in 2018 Defamation Case Over Remarks Against Amit Shah
Chaibasa, Jharkhand | August 6, 2025
In a significant legal reprieve for Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, the Chaibasa MP-MLA Special Court in Jharkhand on Wednesday granted him conditional bail in a 2018 defamation case involving alleged remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
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📌 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Origin | 2018 remarks at rally in Chaibasa referring to Amit Shah |
| Complaint Filed By | Pratap Kumar (Chaibasa resident) |
| Court Handling Case | MP‑MLA Court, Chaibasa (Judge Supriya Rani Tigga) |
| Critical Appearance | Rahul Gandhi appeared personally on Aug 6, 2025 as directed by Jharkhand High Court |
| Bail Status | Conditional bail granted; trial ongoing |
| Court Conditions | Full cooperation, mandatory personal presence when required |
Gandhi appeared personally before the court at approximately 10:55 AM, following directions issued by the Jharkhand High Court earlier this year. The court, presided over by Judge Supriya Rani Tigga, granted bail on the condition that Gandhi will cooperate fully with the trial and make personal appearances whenever directed.
📌 Background of the Case
The defamation complaint was filed in 2018 by a local resident, Pratap Kumar, alleging that Gandhi had made defamatory statements during a political rally in Chaibasa. In his speech, Gandhi allegedly remarked that “no murderer can become the President of Congress, but that is possible in the BJP” — a statement understood to be a veiled reference to Amit Shah.
Initially filed in Ranchi, the case was later transferred to Chaibasa in 2021. After Gandhi failed to appear before the court despite multiple summons, a non-bailable warrant was issued earlier this year. Gandhi then moved the Jharkhand High Court, which allowed him time until August 6 to appear in person.
⚖️ Court’s Observations and Conditions
While granting bail, the court laid down specific conditions:
- Rahul Gandhi must appear in person for future hearings.
- He must extend full cooperation throughout the trial.
- Any further failure to appear without prior permission may invite stricter judicial action.
🔍 Wider Legal Context
This is one of several defamation and criminal cases Rahul Gandhi is currently facing across the country. Other notable cases include:
- A 2019 defamation case concerning remarks about the “Modi” surname, which led to a conviction and brief disqualification from Parliament before the Supreme Court stayed the verdict.
- A pending defamation suit over remarks made about Veer Savarkar and the RSS.
- A recent Supreme Court rebuke regarding his statements on the Indian Army during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, where the court questioned the patriotism behind his words.
Despite these legal hurdles, Gandhi has maintained that these cases are politically motivated and intended to intimidate the opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
🗨️ Congress Responds
Reacting to the court’s decision, the Congress party welcomed the bail, stating it reaffirms the legal rights of opposition leaders in a democracy. Party officials also reiterated that Rahul Gandhi would continue to speak “truth to power” without fear.
🧭 What’s Next?
The case will now proceed to trial. Gandhi’s legal team is expected to file petitions challenging the maintainability of the complaint itself, while the prosecution is preparing to present witness testimony. The next hearing is anticipated later this year.
With legal challenges mounting and political tensions rising, all eyes remain on how this case — and others — may influence the political landscape ahead of the 2026 general elections.
