Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar expressed his dissatisfaction with the Gujarat High Court’s order denying a stay on the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the ‘Modi Surname’ defamation case. Kumar stated that the court’s decision is saddening for the entire country and believes that the judgment is open to serious legal challenge in the Supreme Court.
Speaking to ANI, Kumar expressed his concerns about the implications of the court’s verdict, stating that if such decisions are upheld, it would create an environment where political leaders do not feel safe and their memberships would be at risk. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would consider the spirit of the country and the law while delivering its decision on the case.
Kumar emphasized that the top court should evaluate the appeal on its merits, particularly considering the harsh consequences and disproportionality of the sentence imposed, and reverse the Gujarat High Court’s judgment. He reiterated that the public purpose of the law is best served when it is applied in a fair and just manner that aligns with the sensitivities of the nation.
The Gujarat High Court had reserved its order in May on Rahul Gandhi’s plea seeking a stay on his conviction in the ‘Modi surname’ defamation case. The Congress leader had challenged the Surat sessions court’s decision, which had declined to grant a stay on his conviction in the criminal defamation case. The Surat Sessions court had