Rahul Gandhi admits misquoting Supreme Court on Rafale attack against Modi

Admitting that he had misquoted the Supreme Court after its ruling on the Rafale fighter jet deal, he pleaded that the error occurred "in the heat of political campaigning".

Gandhi, in his reply, said that his statements were 'misused' by his political opponents and that he had made the statement in the heat of the election campaign.

The Apex Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, will hear the matter on Tuesday .

During a media interaction in Amethi, Congress president had claimed that the apex court’s order has made it "clear" that 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (Prime Minister is thief) in its Rafale order.

Challenging this statement, Meenakshi Lekhi filed a plea before the apex court and sought criminal contempt against  Gandhi for his alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It is also clear that no court would ever do that (say Chowkidar chor hai) and hence the unfortunate references (for which I express regret) to the court order and to the political juxtaposition in the same breath in the heat of the political campaigning ought not to be construed as suggesting that the court had given any finding or conclusion in Rafale deal," Rahul said as quoted in media.

Following the apology of Gandhi, Lekhi tweeted: "It’s an admission of guilt & thus Contempt . Considering the need to protect the integrity of the court in these testing times,such an admission is a vindication of the petition. I hope & pray that it is responded with strictest rebuke by the court."