In its first reaction to the Gujarat HC rejecting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea seeking relief from conviction in the Modi-surname case, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that one cannot use freedom of speech to abuse. He also called Rahul Gandhi a history sheeter. BJP MLA Purnesh Modi, the petitioner in the case hailed the judgment and said all should respect the court's order.
"Some people think that freedom of speech is freedom to abuse. So the courts are doing their job and action is being taken under the purview of the law," Naqvi said while talking to ABP News.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad asked why can't Congress control Rahul Gandhi. He added, "Why can't you train him to speak properly? He is your leader. Had he apologised in this matter, it would have ended...It has become a chronic habit of Rahul Gandhi to abuse, defame & almost showering the worst kind of abuses against eminent leaders and organisations."
Purnesh Modi said, "Everyone should accept the Court's order. That is Satyamev Jayate in its real sense...," adding "There is no pressure on this (Decision by Gujarat HC) by anyone. It is wrong to give this a political colour".
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya said that the Gujarat HC has given a clear message to political leaders who don't follow language limits, as per PTI.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawall said, "Gujarat High Court has shown the mirror to the Congress party. Now, three levels of Court - Trial Court, Sessions Court and now High court have found Rahul Gandhi guilty. The Court not only refused to give relief to Rahul Gandhi, but also cited that he is a serial offender as he has various other cases against him."
The Gujarat High Court upheld the Sessions Court's order on Friday, denying a stay on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case related to his "Modi surname" remark. As a result, Rahul Gandhi will be unable to contest elections or seek the revocation of his suspended status as a Member of Parliament (MP). The Gujarat High Court deemed the Trial Court's conviction order appropriate and saw no need for interference, thus dismissing the application. The Court also noted that Rahul Gandhi faces at least 10 pending criminal cases.
On April 3, the Surat Sessions Court granted bail to Rahul Gandhi, who had filed an appeal following his conviction in the case. It is worth noting that if the court stays Gandhi's conviction, it could lead to the reversal of his disqualification. Previously, the court had denied interim protection to Rahul Gandhi in the case. Justice Hemant Prachchhak reserved the order and stated that he would announce the judgment after the summer vacation in June.
After the Gujarat High Court on Friday upheld Sessions Court's order denying a stay on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case against 'Modi surname' remark, Congress leader Sukhjinder Randhawa said that it is not a shock, and Gandhi will come out strong. He also said that the grand old party will form the Government in 2024. After today's verdict, the former Congress chief will approach the Supreme Court. Following the decision, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections or seek revocation of the suspension of his status as a Member of Parliament (MP).
He can appeal the High Court order in Supreme Court. Gujarat High Court has said that the Trial Court conviction order is proper, there is no need to interfere with the said order. Therefore, the application is dismissed. The Court further noted that at least 10 criminal cases are pending against Rahul Gandhi.