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Synopsis

On Thursday, a single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Justice Sarang Kotwal adjourned the hearing in the plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for quashing summons issued to him in a complaint against him for his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. 

The court adjourned the plea hearing till August 2 and continued the interim relief granted to Gandhi for not appearing before the magistrate court after issuing of the summons to him.

The interim relief granted earlier to continue till August 2," said Justice Kotwal. 

Gandhi was issued a process after a complaint was filed by a BJP supporter in November 2021. Gandhi then approached the Bombay High Court seeking quashing of the summons. 

The high court had then directed the magistrate to defer the hearing in the case till the process challenged before the high court gets decided. 

The high court granted relief to Gandhi and exempted him from appearing before the magistrate in the defamation case.

The present criminal proceedings were initiated against Gandhi in August 2019 by the metropolitan magistrate when a BJP leader filed a complaint against Gandhi stating that his remark against PM Modi was a direct allegation against the BJP members and Indian citizens who are connected to Modi.

Earlier the high court in April 2023 had deferred the hearing in the defamation case after Advocate Kushal Mor sought an adjournment since Advocate Sudeep Pasbola appearing for Gandhi was not available.

Advocate Nitin Pradhan appearing for the complainant had then said that even he was answerable to his clients and that Gandhi was enjoying an exemption from appearing before the magistrate court. He had sought a date before the court vacations. 

However, after the adjournment was allowed in April 2023, the case was adjourned today again for 2 more months while allowing Gandhi to not appear before the magistrate.

Case Title: Rahul Gandhi vs Mahesh Hukumchand Shrishrimal