Bombay High Court Reserves Judgment on Rahul Gandhi's Plea to Quash Defamation Case

The Bombay High Court on February 24, 2026, reserved its judgment on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea to quash a criminal defamation case filed by BJP member Mahesh Shrishrimal. The complaint relates to Gandhi's 2018 remarks referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "commander-in-thief" during a rally. Gandhi's counsel argued the complaint was politically motivated and legally untenable, citing procedural bars and lack of locus standi. The court maintained interim protection for Gandhi while considering arguments from both sides.