RSS defamation case: Court summons Rahul Gandhi on June 12
What's the story
A Bhiwandi court has asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on June 12 to record his plea in a defamation case filed against him by an RSS functionary. The court yesterday heard arguments on Gandhi's application, seeking a detailed recording of evidence instead of a "summary trial", and adjourned the matter till June 12. Here are more details.
Information
RSS local worker filed the case against Rahul in 2014
Rajesh Kunte, a local worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, had in 2014 filed the case against Rahul Gandhi after watching his speech in Thane's Bhiwandi township where the Congress leader alleged that the RSS was behind the killing of Mahatma Gandhi.
Summon trials
Gandhi asks court to conduct summons trial in case
While trial in such cases is normally held summarily, Rahul Gandhi filed an application last month seeking for it to be conducted as a "summons trial". "A summary trial is short and will be completed with just submitting the written arguments. We have sought for a summons trial which would go into the in-depth recording of the evidence," Rahul Gandhi's lawyer Narayan Iyer said.
Quashing of case
Rahul approached SC seeking quashing of the case
Rahul Gandhi had earlier moved the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the case. The apex court had in July 2016 said he should not have resorted to "collective denunciation" of an organization and would have to face trial if he did not express regret for his remark. The Congress leader had declined to accept the suggestion and expressed willingness to face the trial.