Rahul Gandhi Ordered to Appear in Court on June 7 in BJP Defamation Case

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A Bengaluru court has ordered Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear personally on June 7 in a defamation case filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The case involves Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Rahul Gandhi. BJP leader Keshav Prasad filed the complaint, objecting to Congress advertisements during the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections. The ads accused the BJP, then in power, of demanding 40 percent commission or bribes from contractors for public works.

During a hearing on Saturday, Gandhi’s lawyer requested an exemption from his appearance, citing Gandhi’s participation in an INDIA alliance meeting. The court allowed the exemption for that day but insisted that Gandhi must appear on June 7. The court clearly stated, “It is made clear that the Accused No.4 shall appear before this court on the next date of hearing without fail.”

Earlier in the day, the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate granted bail to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, requiring them to provide bail bonds of ₹5,000 each. Since Gandhi did not attend the hearing, his plea will be heard on June 7.

The BJP’s complaint argues that the Congress party’s advertisements spread false information targeting its members, including the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. The BJP claims these ads unfairly accused their party of corruption, damaging their reputation.

In summary, the Bengaluru court has directed Rahul Gandhi to appear on June 7 in a defamation case related to Congress’s election campaign allegations against the BJP. While Gandhi’s request for exemption was accepted for now, the court has emphasized his required presence at the next hearing.

Lawyer vs. Lawyer: The Battle for New Delhi’s Lok Sabha Seat

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In the bustling political arena of New Delhi, two lawyers are vying for the Lok Sabha seat: Bansuri Swaraj from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Somnath Bharti from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). As they compete for victory, they represent a rare group in parliament—only 4% of MPs have a legal background.

Swaraj, aged 40, comes from a prominent political family as the daughter of the late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj. Before entering politics, she practiced law, including serving as Additional Advocate General of Haryana. She’s handled high-profile cases, even appearing in the Supreme Court.

In contrast, Bharti, aged 49, took an academic route, earning degrees in MSc and LLB before pursuing law. He gained prominence in AAP, winning assembly elections and serving in ministerial roles, despite facing legal issues, including a conviction later suspended by the Delhi High Court.

The battleground for this political showdown is the New Delhi constituency, comprising ten assembly segments, all currently held by AAP. Despite its historical significance, with past luminaries like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani representing it, some pundits question its impact on national politics.

Professor Tanvir Aeijaz, an expert in politics and public policy, believes the seat holds symbolic value but may not sway the larger political landscape. With AAP facing challenges due to legal issues involving its leadership, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the dynamics of the race are intriguing, potentially stirring sympathy among AAP supporters.

The debate over whether lawyers make effective lawmakers is nuanced. While legal expertise can be an asset, Aeijaz emphasizes the importance of representing people’s interests over legal acumen alone. Politicians, he notes, may sometimes prioritize self-interest over public service, regardless of their professional background.

Indeed, lawyers have played pivotal roles in politics, offering their expertise both in crafting legislation and navigating legal challenges. In the courtroom of democracy, every vote cast carries immense weight, symbolizing the trust citizens place in their chosen representatives.

As Swaraj and Bharti vie for victory, their campaigns resonate with the hopes and aspirations of the electorate. In this clash of legal titans, the outcome will not only shape the future of New Delhi but also serve as a testament to the power of democracy.