RSS defamation: Zee Media tells court 2014 footage of Rahul's rally not available

Zee Media has told a Bhiwandi magistrate's court hearing a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that it does not have the original footage of his 2014 election rally.

RSS activist Rajesh Kunte filed the case, alleging that Gandhi made defamatory remarks about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a rally at Sonale village in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi area on March 6, 2014.

Kunte has alleged that Gandhi linked the RSS to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi during the rally.

The court had summoned Zee Media, also known as Zee 24 Taas, to produce the video footage of the rally as evidence. 

In response, the network submitted an application stating that it was unable to produce the original footage.

Zee Media said the rally was broadcast more than 12 years ago and that, under its standard "compliance logging" guidelines, television channels are legally required to retain telecast records for only 90 days.

The network also said that the reporters who covered the event had since retired or left the organisation.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 3, Rahul Gandhi's counsel, advocate Narayan Iyer, said on Saturday.  (with inputs from PTI)