SC issues contempt notice to Rahul Gandhi for remarks on Rafale verdict

Appearance of Gandhi not needed for now, says SC; matter to be heard along with Rafale review petition on April 30

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi in a contempt plea moved against him by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Meenakshi Lekhi for attributing the “Chowkidar Chor Hai” statement to the top court.

A three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, said the matter would be tagged with the review petition of the Rafale fighter jets and will be next heard on April 30. The personal appearance of Gandhi has been done away with for now, the apex court said.

In his affidavit on Monday, Gandhi had said he made the statement without having read