New Delhi: The Gujarat High Court Friday refused to order stay on senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction order in the ‘Modi Surname Defamation case.’

This has come to Congress as a major blow that has lowered Rahul Gandhi’s chances to be reinstated in the Lok Sabha. Had the Gujarat court allowed him the stay then, Rahul Gandhi might have gotten his Lok Sabha seat.

Rahul Gandhi will not be able to contest elections or seek revocation of the suspension of his status as a Member of Parliament (MP). He can appeal the High Court order in the Supreme Court.

Gujarat HC said the Trial Court conviction order is proper, there is no need to interfere with the said order. Therefore, the application is dismissed. The Court further noted that at least 10 criminal cases are still pending against Rahul Gandhi.

Gujarat High Court upholds Sessions Court's order denying stay on conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case against 'Modi surname' remark. pic.twitter.com/Qzw15PE0Ij

— ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2023

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Convicted in March 

Earlier a lower court in Surat on March 23, had found Rahul Gandhi guilty in a criminal defamation case. That led to his disqualification from Lok Sabha.

Following his disqualification, Rahul Gandhi recieved an eviction notice asking him to vacate the official bunglow alloted to him as a MP representing the Wayanad constituency in Kerala. Gandhi abided by the rules and emptied the place on April 14.