Defamation case: Gujarat HC reserves verdict on Rahul Gandhi's plea for interim relief

Rahul Gandhi's revision plea in connection with his conviction in a defamation case was heard by the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday. The Congress leader had appealed for an interim stay on his conviction until the court pronounced its order on his petition. However, Justice Hemant Prachchhak, the single judge hearing the case, postponed his decision until after the summer vacation, which ends on June 4. Rahul Gandhi's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued in court on April 29 that his client had not committed a heinous crime or an offence involving moral turpitude, which are the two tests for denying suspension of conviction. Gandhi had been sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court, leading to his disqualification as a Member of Parliament.