Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin hailed the Supreme Court verdict staying Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the defamation case 2019. He said that the belief in the judiciary was affirmed by the verdict. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, CM MK Stalin said, "Justice prevails! #Wayanad retains #RahulGandhi!"
"Welcome the Hon'ble #SupremeCourt's decision staying the conviction of dear brother Thiru @RahulGandhi in the criminal defamation case. This decision reaffirms our belief in the strength of our judiciary and the importance of safeguarding democratic values #INDIA," he said.
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The Supreme Court on Friday stayed Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case over the "Modi surname" statement. This means Rahul Gandhi's status as a member of Parliament has been restored.
Purnesh Modi, a BJP legislator, initiated the defamation suit.
In the order, Justice BR Gavai said, "There is no doubt that utterances are not in good taste, the person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. No specific reason has been granted by trial judge to impose a maximum sentence apart from a comment by this court. Had the sentence been even a day lesser, the provisions (pertaining to disqualification) would not have applied."
In March, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP after being sentenced to two years in jail earlier this year by a Surat metropolitan magistrate's court for his statement, "Why do all thieves have Modi surname?"
Later, the Surat sessions court and Gujarat High Court declined to stay the conviction in the matter.