Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) assured that “all parties are treated equally” in the Supreme Court after senior advocate and BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for a complainant in a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the Opposition leader’s matter is being repeatedly adjourned.
At the time, the top court had scheduled the next hearing on April 22, 2026. However, the case had not been listed until September 9. Gandhi in the case based on a complaint filed by a retired Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officer, Uday Shankar Shrivastava, before a Lucknow Magistrate court in August 2023. The Lucknow court had issued summons to the Congress leader in February 2025.
Mr.
He said the last time the case was listed was in December last year. Bhatia alleged the case was not being listed due to the “person mentioned”, and he should not be treated like a “VVIP”. He said Mr. Gandhi’s side was indulging in “dilatory tactics” to avoid a hearing.
The court had earlier stayed proceedings against Mr.
