In a significant legal development, a local court in the Indian city of Bengaluru has granted bail to Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader from the opposition Indian National Congress (INC), in a defamation case filed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The defamation case centers on the publication of a “corruption rate card” and derogatory remarks about the BJP government in Karnataka, a move interpreted as defamatory by BJP leaders.
The 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate sanctioned Gandhi’s bail application, stating, “The alleged offenses are bailable in nature. Hence the bail application filed on behalf Accused No.4 is allowed. The Accused No.4 [Gandhi] is released on bail on executing a personal bond of Rs.50,000/- with one surety for like sum.” The statement highlights that the nature of the offenses did not warrant further detention (JURIST).
This legal development follows the recently concluded general elections in India, in which the INC secured the position of the second-largest party. In response, BJP, the former ruling party which emerged as the largest party, along with its alliance, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), filed the defamation charges against Gandhi and other INC leaders such as D.K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. The alleged defamatory acts involved accusations of corruption against the BJP government in Karnataka and derogatory references such as calling it a “trouble engine sarkar,” which mocks BJP’s campaign slogan of a “double engine sarkar.”
Post-election, the NDA, composed of more than a dozen political parties led by BJP, gained a majority. Notably, Narendra Modi, reelected internally by the alliance, is set to assume the role of prime minister for the third term, highlighting the shifting political landscape (Election Results).