The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear before the Judicial Magistrate, Chaibasa, on August 6, 2024, in connection with a defamation case arising from alleged remarks made against former BJP president and current Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018.

While hearing Gandhi’s plea challenging the issuance of a non-bailable warrant by the Chaibasa court, the High Court granted interim protection from arrest until the specified date. The Court also stayed the execution of the warrant, allowing Gandhi to appear voluntarily before the trial court.

The case traces back to a public statement allegedly made by Gandhi during a Congress party event in 2018, where he purportedly said, “A murderer can become president of the BJP, but this cannot happen in Congress.” BJP leader Pratap Kumar filed a complaint, contending that the remark was defamatory and targeted at Amit Shah.

After Gandhi reportedly failed to respond to an earlier legal notice, the Chaibasa court took cognizance of the complaint and issued a non-bailable warrant. Gandhi’s counsel approached the High Court, arguing that the warrant was premature, and assured the Court of his client’s willingness to cooperate and appear voluntarily.

Appearing for the complainant, Advocate Vinod Kumar Sahu confirmed that the warrant was issued by the Chaibasa court, which prompted Gandhi’s legal team to seek relief from the High Court. Upon being asked to suggest a suitable date for appearance, Gandhi’s counsel proposed August 6, which the Court accepted.

Recording the undertaking, the High Court stated:
“No arrest of Rahul Gandhi shall be made till August 6. He shall appear before the Chaibasa court and cooperate with the proceedings.”

The matter will be listed for further hearing after Gandhi's appearance, subject to compliance with the undertaking.