A local court in Uttar Pradesh has scheduled November 4 as the next date of hearing in a defamation case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, over his remarks referring to three men acquitted in the 2020 Hathras rape case as “accused.” The case was originally listed for hearing on Monday but was postponed as the presiding judge was on leave.
The complaint was filed by Munna Singh Pundhir, a lawyer representing the three acquitted men — Ravi, Ram Kumar alias Ramu, and Luvkush — who were cleared of all charges by a special CBI court earlier this year. Pundhir contends that Gandhi’s comments were defamatory and damaging to the reputation of the men, who had already been declared innocent by the court after spending more than two and a half years in jail.
Background of the Case
The controversy stems from Gandhi’s remarks during a visit to Bulgadhi village in Hathras on December 12, 2024, where he met the family of the 19-year-old Dalit woman whose death in 2020 triggered nationwide outrage. The victim was allegedly gang-raped by four men from her village, leading to her death during treatment at a Delhi hospital.
In his public statement during that visit, Rahul Gandhi reportedly said,
“The accused are roaming free while the victim’s family is locked inside the house.”
According to the complainants, by using the term “accused,” Gandhi wrongly implied criminal guilt on the part of three men who had already been legally acquitted by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court. They claim the statement caused mental distress, social stigma, and reputational harm to them and their families.
The Legal Complaint
Following Gandhi’s comments, lawyer Munna Singh Pundhir sent a legal notice demanding ₹1.5 crore in damages — ₹50 lakh each for the three men — citing defamation under civil and criminal provisions. Pundhir said the notice was delivered to Gandhi but received no response from his office, prompting him to file a formal complaint in court.
“The remarks made by Rahul Gandhi were defamatory and insulting to the three acquitted youths,” Pundhir said. “After the CBI court acquitted them, there was no justification in calling them ‘accused.’ His statement not only ignored the court’s verdict but also vilified their character before the public.”
The case is being heard in the MP-MLA court, which deals with cases involving lawmakers. Since the judge was on leave on October 27, the next date for proceedings has been set for November 4.
Status of the Hathras Case
The original Hathras rape case dates back to September 2020, when a young Dalit woman from Boolgarhi village alleged that four men — Sandeep, Ravi, Luvkush, and Ram Kumar alias Ramu — assaulted her. The incident gained national attention after the woman’s death and the Uttar Pradesh administration’s controversial midnight cremation of her body without her family’s consent.
A CBI probe was ordered amid widespread protests and political reactions. After extensive investigation and trial, the special CBI court acquitted three of the four accused — Ravi, Luvkush, and Ram Kumar — citing insufficient evidence. Sandeep, however, was found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and is still serving a prison sentence.
The Defamation Allegation
The defamation complaint hinges on the argument that Rahul Gandhi’s December 2024 statement constituted public defamation under Indian law, as it allegedly tarnished the image of individuals already declared innocent by a court of law.
Legal experts note that for a defamation case to hold, the complainants must prove that Gandhi’s remarks were false, made without due verification, and intended or likely to harm their reputation. Public figures, including politicians, often face scrutiny for statements made in emotional or politically charged situations, but courts typically assess such cases by weighing intent, factual basis, and public interest.
In this instance, the complainants argue that Gandhi’s reference to them as “accused” after their acquittal by the CBI court reflects negligence and disregard for judicial outcomes, thereby justifying the claim for damages.
Political Context
The defamation case comes amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the Hathras case, which has remained a symbol of caste-based violence and administrative lapses in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders had been among the first national figures to visit Hathras in 2020, accusing the state government of mishandling the case and suppressing justice.
Over the years, Gandhi has frequently invoked the Hathras case in his speeches as an example of government apathy and the need for justice reform. However, with the CBI court’s acquittal of three accused in 2024, his continued references to “the accused” have now opened him up to legal challenges.
The case also follows a pattern of politicians facing defamation suits over public remarks. Gandhi himself has been embroiled in several defamation cases in recent years, including one that led to his temporary disqualification from Parliament in 2023 after a conviction in a criminal defamation case over comments about the Modi surname — a verdict later stayed by the Supreme Court.
Upcoming Hearing
With the hearing now scheduled for November 4, the MP-MLA court will take up preliminary arguments on whether a case of defamation under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code is made out against Gandhi. The court will also examine whether there is sufficient ground to summon him or proceed with a full trial.
If the court finds merit in the complaint, Gandhi could be summoned for testimony or asked to file a written reply. His legal team is expected to argue that the remarks were general political statements, not directed at any specific individuals, and that they were made in the broader context of seeking justice for the victim.
Broader Implications
The case highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and legal accountability in India’s political landscape. While politicians often speak passionately about social issues, their statements can have significant repercussions, especially when they involve individuals already cleared by the judiciary.
For the three acquitted men, the legal battle represents an effort to reclaim their social dignity after years of incarceration and public humiliation. For Rahul Gandhi, the case adds to a growing list of legal challenges as he continues to be a vocal critic of the government’s handling of law, order, and justice in sensitive cases.
As the next hearing approaches, the outcome will likely determine whether the matter proceeds to trial — potentially setting another precedent in the intersection of political speech and personal defamation in Indian law.
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