Surat, Apr3: Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday challenged the conviction in the ‘Modi surname’ case in the Surat Sessions Court. He has filed two applications, one seeking a stay on conviction while the other seeking suspension of sentence. Last month, Gandhi was convicted and awarded a two-year sentence by the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
A Surat court on March 23 convicted Gandhi in a 2019 criminal defamation case which was related to a statement where he had said: “How come all thieves have Modi surname”. A day after his conviction, the Lok Sabha Secretariat notified Gandhi’s disqualification from the Lower House of Parliament. The Congress has, however, attacked the Centre and said the move was “a black day for Indian democracy”.
Today, the Congress leader sought a stay on conviction and suspension of the 2-year sentence. However, the sessions court refused to stay the conviction and said such an order cannot be passed without hearing all sides. The court has extended Gandhi’s bail till April 13.
Earlier today, Gandhi reached Surat via a scheduled commercial flight along with sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to appeal against the lower court ruling. He was received at the Surat airport by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
A large number of workers of Congress gathered outside the court and shouted slogans in support of the former Congress chief. Several workers were detained by police from the outskirts of the city and neighbouring Navsari district while they were headed towards Surat.
Heavy police deployment was made today inside and outside the premises of the Surat sessions court and also on the road leading to the court. The Congress workers, who were gathered there to back Gandhi, raised slogans like ”Modi, Adani Bhai Bhai,” and ”Save Constitution, Save Democracy” as they stood outside the court premises to welcome Gandhi.
