Sultanpur/Lucknow, February 20, 2026 — Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before a district court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday in connection with a defamation case filed in 2018. The development has drawn sharp political attention, with party leaders and supporters gathering at the court complex as proceedings began under tight security.
Rahul Gandhi reached Lucknow earlier in the day and then travelled to Sultanpur by road. His visit was closely monitored by local authorities, who deployed additional police personnel to manage security and crowd movement near the court premises. Senior Congress leaders from Uttar Pradesh, including state unit representatives and legislators, accompanied him, underlining the political significance attached to the hearing.
The case dates back to August 2018, when a complaint was filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party worker alleging that remarks made by Gandhi during a political rally were defamatory. The comments in question were reportedly made during an election campaign event in the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections. The complainant claimed that the statements targeted a senior BJP leader and were damaging to reputation, leading to legal action under relevant sections of defamation law.
Over the years, the case has seen multiple adjournments and procedural delays, which are not uncommon in long-running criminal defamation matters involving high-profile political figures. Court records indicate that Gandhi had previously been granted bail in the case. However, his personal appearance became necessary at this stage of proceedings, especially after earlier hearings were deferred.
Friday’s hearing is considered important because it marks a step forward in the trial process, where the court is expected to record the statement of the accused and review the progress of evidence. Legal observers note that such appearances are procedural but critical, as they help determine how the case will proceed in the coming months.
Outside the courtroom, Congress leaders described the case as politically motivated, maintaining that the party respects the judicial process and will contest the matter through legal means. They emphasised that Gandhi’s presence reflects his willingness to cooperate with the court. On the other hand, leaders from the ruling party have reiterated that public figures must be accountable for their statements, especially when made during election campaigns.
The atmosphere around the Sultanpur court remained tense but controlled, with supporters raising slogans and local administration ensuring that proceedings were not disrupted. Entry into the court complex was regulated, and only authorised individuals were allowed inside during the hearing.
Legal experts point out that criminal defamation cases in India can extend over several years due to procedural requirements, witness examination, and legal arguments from both sides. In this case, the next steps will depend on the court’s assessment of statements, evidence, and compliance with legal procedures. Future hearings are expected to focus on detailed arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
As of now, there has been no immediate judicial ruling altering the status of the case. The court is likely to fix the next date of hearing after completing the current stage of proceedings. The case continues to carry political weight, given Rahul Gandhi’s national role and the broader context of political rivalry between the Congress and the BJP.
The developments in Sultanpur are being closely watched not only for their legal implications but also for their potential impact on the political narrative in the run-up to upcoming electoral cycles.
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