I've not said anything wrong: Rahul Gandhi on 'all Modis are thieves' comment

On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pleaded not guilty in court in the defamation case filed against him for his 'all thieves share the Modi surname' remark.

Rahul Gandhi told the Surat court that he did not say anything wrong when he said all thieves share the Modi surname during the hearing.

He made the remark as the court deferred till December 10.

After his plea was recorded, the leader's lawyers moved an application seeking a permanent exemption from personal appearance in the next hearings. The court said it will decide on the plea on December 10. Modi's lawyers objected the exemption plea. The court deemed that Rahul Gandhi is not required to remain present during the next hearing on that date.

In May, Chief Judicial Magistrate B H Kapadia issued summons to Gandhi after admitting a complaint filed by local BJP MLA Purnesh Modi under IPC sections 499 and 500, dealing with criminal defamation.