• Hearing is to continue on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: The Gujarat High Court observed that Rahul Gandhi, as a representative of the people, should have made statements staying within his boundaries. Justice Hemant Prachhak said this while hearing Rahul's plea to suspend the verdict in which he was found guilty in the Modi reference. The court was referring to the statement Rahul made when he was a Lok Sabha MP. The court also said that has more responsibility since he represents a large population.

Rahul's lawyer Abhishek Singhvi responded that he had not committed serious crimes like murder. Singhvi argued that Rahul would suffer an irreparable loss and face an eight-year disqualification if the verdict of guilty in the defamation case is not stayed.

Rahul's plea was opposed by the Gujarat government and the petitioner, BJP MLA and former minister Purnesh Modi. Purnesh Modi's lawyer Nirupam Nanavati argued that Rahul's petition cannot stand. The hearing will continue next Tuesday and Purnesh Modi will have to give his stand in writing.

Rahul's argument

• Purnesh Modi cannot file a defamation case. Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned in the speech can file a case.
• Purnesh Modi's petition makes a mockery of the defamation department.
• The magistrate court sentenced the maximum sentence of two years imprisonment after hearing the argument for only ten minutes.

Government counsel in opposition

• Don't stay judgment that Rahul is guilty.
• The maximum penalty for defamation is two years imprisonment is legal.
• The Magistrate Court found that it was a case where the maximum sentence could be imposed.
• The seriousness of the case should be taken into consideration.
• Do not consider the plea against the judgment.