The Supreme Court has directed lawyers handling the defamation case against Rahul Gandhi to file a formal application if they want expedited hearings, while making it clear that no litigant enjoys VIP status before the court. The remark came during a brief exchange on the roster when Gaurav Bhatia, appearing on behalf of the complainant, pointed out that the matter had not been listed for nearly five months.
The case centres on remarks made by Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in 2022, in which he criticised the Indian Army. The complaint led to a defamation suit that has been lingering on the Supreme Court's calendar without a hearing date for several months. Bhatia argued that the delay was unjustified and suggested that the prolonged listing had nothing to do with the stature of the accused.
Chief Justice Surya Kant responded firmly, stating that everyone stands equal before the court and that no party receives preferential treatment based on prominence. He observed that if the petitioners believe the case warrants urgent consideration, they should move a specific application seeking early hearing rather than relying on informal representations. The court then set the matter down for future consideration along with the procedural request.
Legal observers note that the Supreme Court routinely processes hundreds of matters each week, and routine civil or criminal listings can occasionally face delays depending on the bench composition and priority categories. However, cases involving prominent political figures tend to attract public attention, especially when scheduling gaps arise. The court's insistence on due process over convenience signals that it will handle all applications through proper procedural channels rather than ad hoc requests.
The underlying defamation suit remains pending, and its eventual hearing will determine whether Gandhi's 2022 comments constitute actionable defamation or fall within the realm of protected political speech. Until then, the case sits on the court's docket awaiting its turn.
