New Delhi, Sept. 9 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the complainant in the criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to file an application seeking an early hearing if he wanted the matter to be taken up urgently.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said the procedure must be followed and emphasised that "everyone is equal before us".

Senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the complainant, submitted that Gandhi was not a VVIP and his appeal against the cognisance taken by the trial court had not been listed for nearly five months.

"Let us follow the procedure. File an application seeking early hearing. Everyone is equal before us. Please...