New Delhi - In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted a stay on the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case related to his comments about the "Modi surname." This move has been met with relief by the Congress party, which views the court's decision as a resounding validation of truth. They assert that the force of public expression cannot be silenced.

During a press conference, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chief, commented, "We will need to assess the timeline for Rahul Gandhi's reinstatement. We await to see if the process will be as swift as his disqualification, whether it will happen today or tonight. We remain patient, as we have been for an extended period."

Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, took to Twitter to express his thoughts, stating, "Despite the unrelenting efforts of the BJP machinery, Rahul Gandhi has stood firm, unwavering and unbowed, opting instead to place his trust in the legal system." He further remarked, "This should serve as a lesson to the BJP and its followers: you may employ your utmost efforts, but we will not retreat. We will persist in exposing your government and party's shortcomings. Our commitment to constitutional principles endures, as does our faith in the institutions you strive to undermine. Truth alone triumphs! Satyameva Jayate!"

K C Venugopal, the Congress' general secretary of organization, also welcomed the verdict, tweeting, "We warmly welcome the honorable Supreme Court's decision to stay the conviction of Sh. @RahulGandhi ji. Justice has prevailed. The voice of the people cannot be stifled by any means." Randeep Surjewala, a Congress MP, emphasized that the judgment has reinstated the faith of ordinary citizens in the Supreme Court.

Rahul Gandhi's conviction in this case had led to his disqualification from his parliamentary position. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, another Congress MP, announced his intention to communicate with the Lok Sabha Speaker today, addressing the matter of his parliamentary status.

Ramesh Chennithala, a leader from the Kerala Congress, highlighted that the people of Wayanad now have their MP back. He expressed, "The people of Kerala, particularly those from Wayanad, will be elated to have their MP restored. The BJP owes an apology for this issue. The highest court in India recognized that this was an effort to muzzle Rahul Gandhi..."

The three-judge bench, consisting of Justices B R Gavai, P S Narasimha, and Sanjay Kumar, acknowledged that while the statements were indisputably in poor taste and individuals in the public eye should exercise caution in their public speeches, the trial judge did not provide a rationale for imposing the maximum sentence.