Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah among Congress leaders summoned in defamation case filed by BJP

The private complaint alleging false claims in advertisements tarnishing the image of the BJP was filed by the party's state secretary S Keshavaprasad on May 9.

A special court for cases involving MPs/MLAs has taken cognizance of the private complaint filed by the BJP against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

The private complaint of defamation was filed by BJP state secretary Keshavaprasad for advertisements allegedly placed by the Congress on May 5, 2023, in all leading newspapers with allegations of corruption against the BJP.

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Special Court Judge Preeth J said, “After having heard the arguments of the counsel for the complainant and also on perusal of the averments made in the complaint and the documents produced, I am satisfied that the complainant has made out a prima facie case to take cognizance of the offences under Sections 499 and 500 of IPC and to proceed further.”

The case is posted to July 27 for sworn statement of the complainant and witness, if any.

The complainant stated that the advertisement in newspapers had reckless imputations regarding the BJP. It was stated that the accused number-1 the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee and other three accused had conspired and planned to defame the BJP by leveling false allegations.

The complaint stated that the advertisement had given rates under the name and styles of appointment and transfer rates for various positions.

The complaint said that Rahul Gandhi had also put up this advertisement in his twitter account.

The advertisement showed the images of accused D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah seeking votes for the congress. The complainant said that this shows that both the accused were directly responsible for all the false statements in the advertisement.