Rahul Gandhi Granted Bail by Bengaluru Court after Defamation Allegations

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Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, was granted bail by a Bengaluru court on Friday in connection with a defamation case filed against him by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Special Magistrate KN Shivakumar granted bail to Gandhi after registering his appearance in person and listed the matter for further hearing on June 30. Former Member of Parliament (MP) DK Suresh provided property worth ₹75 lakh as security on Gandhi’s behalf. The defamation case was filed citing allegations made by the Congress party during the lead-up to the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections, accusing the BJP of corruption. The ads implied that the BJP was obtaining bribes up to 40 percent for public work contracts. BJP leaders, including the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, were targeted in these advertisements. In response, the BJP filed a defamation case against Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and Gandhi. On June 1, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar appeared in court and were granted bail. Gandhi had initially requested an exemption from appearing in court due to prior commitments but was required to be present on June 7. The court granted him bail after his appearance. This development highlights the ongoing legal battles between political parties in India, especially during election periods.