Bhiwandi (Maharashtra): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was on Saturday exempted from appearing in a 2014 criminal defamation case after a Magistrate Court in Bhiwandi granted him a permanent exemption, media reports said.

Following the ruling, Rahul Gandhi is no longer required to attend court proceedings in person in the criminal defamation case filed against him by Rajesh Kunte, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary, reported India Today.

The case can proceed without his presence, but the court has the authority to summon him if necessary, during the proceedings.

During the court proceedings, Kunte opposed Rahul Gandhi's exemption and presented new information about his conviction by a Surat court in a defamation case, his two-year prison sentence, and his disqualification as an MP.

However, Rahul Gandhi's advocate, Narayan Iyyer, argued that his client had challenged the Surat court's order and that the new developments could not affect the exemption application already filed.

After hearing arguments from both sides, judicial magistrate LC Wadikar granted the permanent exemption to Rahul Gandhi.

As a result, he will not have to attend court proceedings but may be required to attend if needed during the proceedings.

The magistrate will begin recording evidence in the case on June 3, 2023.