Today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the Bhiwandi magistrate’s court to furnish a fresh surety in a 2014 defamation case filed by an RSS activist, naming Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal as his new guarantor.

Gandhi was required to appear in person after the death of his earlier guarantor, former Union Minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, in December last year. The bail formalities, including execution of a fresh bond, were completed within about 30 minutes. He faced black-flag protests by BJP workers while travelling to the court in Thane district.

Confirming compliance with procedural requirements, Gandhi’s counsel Narayan Iyer said the defence has faith in the judiciary. He added that Gandhi has been granted permanent exemption from personal appearance in future hearings and that the trial will now proceed with the cross-examination of the investigating officer.

The case arises from a complaint by RSS activist Rajesh Kunte, alleging that during a 2014 Lok Sabha election rally at Sonale village, Gandhi made defamatory remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, attracting charges under Section 500 of the IPC. The cross-examination and re-examination of the complainant have already concluded, and the trial is continuing.