Modi Surname Case: No Coercive Action Against Rahul Gandhi, Says Jharkhand HC

The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday granted relief to Rahul Gandhi against the warrant issued by the lower court over the Congress leader's alleged derogatory remark on 'Modi surname'.

The next hearing will be on August 16.

Gandhi had challenged issuance of summons and quashing of criminal proceedings initiated against him by the Ranchi district court after advocate Pradeep Modi filed a defamation case against him.

The high court had in February 2020 granted the Congress leader interim protection and ordered that no coercive steps be taken against him.

While campaigning for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had allegedly said "why all thieves share the Modi surname".

The district court took cognizance of the case filed by the advocate and issued summons to Gandhi to appear before it in person or through his counsel.

Gandhi then moved the High Court of Jharkhand challenging the order.

The Congress leader has submitted that no statements have been made by him to hurt the sentiment of any individual at large.