On July 21, the Supreme Court will hear Rahul Gandhi’s appeal for a stay of execution in the “Modi Surname Case”

Rahul Gandhi, the head of the Congress, has asked the Supreme Court to hear his appeal for a stay of execution in the defamation lawsuit stemming from his comments about the “Modi surname” on July 21. After the Gujarat High Court declined to suspend his conviction in the case, Gandhi turned to the highest court.

Gandhi pleaded with the highest court to immediately delay his sentence in order to also provide him the opportunity to reclaim his MP status by arguing that the conviction ruling will result in the stifling of free speech, free expression, free thinking, and free assertion. According to him, doing so would “contribute to the systematic, repetitive emasculation of democratic institutions and the ensuing strangulation of democracy, which would be gravely detrimental to the political climate and future of India.”

Purnesh Modi, a BJP MLA and former minister in Gujarat, filed the criminal defamation complaint in response to a statement Gandhi made during the 2019 Lok Sabha campaign. Gandhi reportedly questioned, “Why do all thieves have the same surname?” in reference to individuals like Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi. Purnesh Modi, a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister, accused Gandhi of defaming the “entire Modi community” with his comments.

Rahul Gandhi’s appeal was denied by the Gujarat High Court.
Rahul Gandhi’s review request to have his conviction in the case suspended was denied by the Gujarat High Court, which noted that the grounds for the request were “absolutely nonexistent.” Staying true to your beliefs is not required. Up to ten cases are still pending against Gandhi. In politics, purity is necessary…The grandson of Veer Savarkar filed a lawsuit against Gandhi in Pune Court after Gandhi disparaged Veer Savarkar at Cambridge…There would be no unfairness to the petitioner if the stay of execution were not granted. No justifiable reasons exist to suspend the conviction, Justice Hemant Prachchhak said in issuing the ruling.

Purnesh Modi, a BJP legislator, has praised the high court’s decision. When questioned about the court’s assessment that Rahul Gandhi had previously made similar statements, he said, “He should think about it and not create such histories.”

Rahul Gandhi would be unable to serve in either House of Parliament for an eight-year period under the legislation as a result of the conviction and two-year prison sentence. If a higher court vacates or suspends his conviction, this might be changed.