Rahul Gandhi Defamation Case: Bombay High Court Rejects Plea Against PM Modi Remarks

September 8, 2026

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday rejected a plea filed by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi challenging criminal defamation proceedings over his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A single bench of Justice N R Borkar upheld the lower court’s order, observing that it found no “perversity and illegality” in the magistrate’s decision. The criminal defamation proceedings against Gandhi will now continue before the Girgaon Metropolitan Magistrate Court, where his personal appearance is required.

Bombay HC Rejects Rahul Gandhi’s Plea

The case dates back to 2019, when the Girgaon Metropolitan Magistrate issued summons to Gandhi after finding a prima facie case of criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Gandhi subsequently approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash the proceedings. The complainant opposed his petition.

In November 2021, the High Court had granted interim relief to Gandhi and directed the magistrate court to defer the hearing. The order also exempted Gandhi from personal appearance until the High Court decided his plea.

What Is the Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi?

The complaint was filed by local BJP member Mahesh Shrishrimal before the Girgaon court.

According to the complaint, Gandhi made allegedly defamatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on August 20, 2018. The speech was broadcast on national television.

Shrishrimal alleged that Gandhi targeted the Prime Minister during the address and made remarks referring to the “watchman” and alleging that he was a “thief”.

BJP Worker Claims Remarks Hurt Party Workers

In his complaint, Shrishrimal alleged that Gandhi’s remarks were defamatory not only towards Prime Minister Modi but also damaged the reputation of BJP workers.

With the Bombay High Court rejecting Gandhi’s plea, the criminal defamation proceedings will continue before the Girgaon Metropolitan Magistrate Court.