Modi defamation case: Court to pronounce verdict today on Rahul's plea

NEW DELHI: After Rahul Gandhi was convicted in the 'Modi surname' defamation case, a court in Surat on Thursday will pronounce a verdict on a plea to stay the conviction. The order will be pronounced by Judge Robin Mogera. Rahul does not have to appear in court.

If the conviction is stayed, Rahul will get his MP position back. Otherwise, his disqualification as a member of Lok Sabha will continue. Rahul's next option is to approach the Gujarat High Court. Petitioner Poornesh Modi has decided to go to the High Court if the verdict is in favor of Rahul.

Along with the conviction, the Additional Sessions Court suspended the two-year jail sentence imposed by the Surat Chief Judicial Magistrate Court. Rahul argued that the speech was not intended to defame the Modi community or the petitioner.