Rahul Gandhi Bail Extended Till April 13 By Surat Sessions Court

SURAT: The Surat sessions court Monday extended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's bail till April 13. Rahul filed an appeal against his conviction in a defamation case over his 2019 remark about Modi surname. The court had sentenced him to two years in prison.

Now the next hearing on his bail will be held on April 13.

Rahul also sought cancellation of sentence

Rahul Gandhi filed another application in Surat's sessions court on Monday seeking to set aside the conviction in a defamation case. The next hearing seeking cancellation of sentence on May 3, while plea for regular bail will be heard on April 13. 

Sister Priyanka Gandhi also reached Surat along with Rahul Gandhi to make an appeal. Several senior leaders, including AICC General Secretary in charge of organization K C Venugopal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Digvijaya Singh and Anand Sharma also accompanied Gandhi to the sessions court in Gujarat.

Before Rahul left for Surat from Delhi, Sonia Gandhi came to meet him at 10.30 am. After 1 hour Rahul left for Surat. 

CMs of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh have also come to Surat. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot held a press conference before Rahul's arrival.

We are here to show our unity: Gehlot

Congress leader and Rajasthan CM addressed a press conference in Surat and said, 'We trust the judiciary. We are here to show our unity. We are doing 'satyagraha' to save the country. The country is seeing how Indira Gandhi's grandson and Rajiv Gandhi's son, Rahul Gandhi is being treated today.'

Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has targeted the Congress. Rijiju said- When your (Rahul Gandhi) trial went on, then why didn't you appeal. You are doing this drama after the court convicted you. This is only to create pressure on the court. The Congress party considers the whole family above the country.

On March 23, while convicting Gandhi, the court suspended the sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal and approved bail on a surety of Rs 15,000. A day later, Gandhi was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha. The Congress party is hopeful the court will stay his conviction, which will open the doors for revocation of his disqualification as an LS MP.