Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will appear before a special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh on October 26, 2026. The court is expected to give its verdict in a defamation case related to alleged remarks that he made about Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018.
The case has attracted attention as the court prepares to deliver its decision after several years of legal proceedings. Gandhi is expected to appear in person on the day of the verdict, the complainant’s lawyer said.
What is the case against Rahul Gandhi?
The defamation case dates back to August 4, 2018, when BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed a complaint against Gandhi. Mishra was then with the BJP in Sultanpur and stated that Gandhi made objectionable remarks about Amit Shah during the Karnataka Assembly election campaign.
At the time, Shah was BJP's national president. The alleged comments reportedly suggested that Shah was involved in a murder, which was what led to the complaint.
Mishra said he was hurt by the remarks and decided to pursue legal action. The case was taken to the Special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur.
All allegations are still being investigated and the result of the case will be determined by the court.
In the Court Summons and Proceedings
Gandhi was summoned to trial in November 2023. He appeared before the court and secured bail.
The case continued through subsequent hearings, with both sides arguing and presenting their evidence. Gandhi has denied wrongdoing in the proceedings and has said the case is politically motivated.
The court has studied the complaint and the materials presented during the trial. After the arguments concluded, the court reserved its verdict for October 26, 2026.
The latest reports say Gandhi is directed to appear personally when the decision is announced.
What happens on October 26?
The Special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur is expected to give the verdict next Monday. It is one of the last steps of the long-running case and could bring the case to a close.
The legal consequences will depend on the court’s findings and the law. The court will judge Gandhi guilty or not, and that will be the legal outcome. If he is acquitted, the case could conclude at the trial-court level, subject to any further legal action.
A verdict has not yet been announced as of October 25 and the final outcome should not be presumed before the court gives its decision.
Why has the case attracted attention?
The case involves two prominent political figures and allegations connected to remarks made during an election campaign. It has been ongoing for several years, so the verdict is important for the legal proceedings of the Congress leader.
The matter also emphasizes the legal consequences of public statements about political opponents. Defamation cases require courts to weigh the allegations, evidence, and relevant legal standards before making a decision.
When the verdict is announced on October 26, the focus will be on the court’s decision and any possible steps that may follow. Until the judgment is given, Gandhi’s allegations are allegations and not a judgment of guilt.
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