A local court on Friday levied a fine of Rs 500 on Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, due to a delay in submitting a written statement in a civil defamation case filed against him by an RSS activist. The case revolves around Gandhi linking the RSS with the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh. Gandhi's written statement was delayed by 881 days, prompting his lawyer, Narayan Iyer, to file an application seeking condonation for the delay. Iyer argued that Gandhi's extensive travel as an MP residing in Delhi contributed to the delay.
While the magistrate's court granted condonation for the delay and accepted the written statement, a fine of Rs 500 was imposed, as confirmed by Iyer to PTI.
The defamation lawsuit, initiated by RSS activist Vivek Champanerkar, aims to claim damages of Rs one from the Congress leader. The upcoming hearing for this case is scheduled for February 15.
(With Agency Inputs)
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