Supreme Court stays defamation proceedings against Rahul Gandhi for remarks on Amit Shah
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stayed criminal defamation proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was booked for calling Union Home Minister Amit Shah a "murder accused."
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the Jharkhand government and the complainant, BJP leader Navin Jha, seeking their responses to Gandhi's plea for quashing the case. The Court also ordered a stay on the trial proceedings until further notice.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Gandhi, argued that the defamation complaint was filed by a third party, which is not permissible under law. Singhvi contended, "If you are not the person aggrieved, how can you have a proxy filing of complaint?"
The case stems from a speech delivered by Gandhi on March 18, 2018, wherein he criticised the BJP and alleged that its leadership accepted a "murder accused" as its president. Following the speech, Jha filed a complaint, which was initially dismissed by a Ranchi magistrate court.
Jha then moved a revision petition before the Judicial Commissioner in Ranchi, who overturned the dismissal on September 15, 2018, and directed the magistrate to reconsider the evidence. Subsequently, on November 28, 2018, the magistrate concluded that there was sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case under s. 500 of the IPC, which penalises defamation. Gandhi was then summoned to appear in court.
Gandhi's challenge to this order before the Jharkhand High Court was dismissed by single-judge Justice Ambuj Nath. The High Court observed that Gandhi's remarks suggested that BJP leaders were deceitful, intoxicated with power, and willing to accept a "murder accused" as their leader. The Court held that these statements were prima facie defamatory under s. 499 of the IPC.
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
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