Chaibasa, Jharkhand | August 6, 2025 —Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress figure Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Wednesday by the MP-MLA court in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, in connection with a defamation case related to alleged remarks made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a political rally in 2018.
Gandhi appeared in person before the court earlier in the day amid heightened security arrangements in the region. He reached Chaibasa from Ranchi, where he was staying at the Circuit House. A special helipad had been set up at Tata College Ground to facilitate his arrival.
The case stems from a petition filed by Pratap Kumar, who accused Rahul Gandhi of making defamatory statements aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Amit Shah during a public address in Chaibasa in 2018. The petition, filed in the court of the magistrate, alleged that Gandhi’s comments were intentional and malicious.
Previously, on June 2, Gandhi had approached the Jharkhand High Court, challenging an earlier directive from the special court summoning him on June 26. His legal counsel cited scheduling conflicts and requested a new date, which the High Court later set as August 6, allowing Gandhi additional time.
Gandhi, who arrived in Jharkhand on Tuesday, also attended the funeral of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior tribal leader Shibu Soren in Nemra village, Ramgarh district.
The defamation case adds to a series of legal battles Gandhi has faced over his public statements, continuing a trend of political controversies intersecting with legal proceedings.
