New Delhi, Oct. 13 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the trial court proceedings against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in a criminal defamation case over his alleged 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Aparesh Kumar Singh also issued notice to the Maharashtra government and complainant MH Shrishrimal, seeking their responses in four weeks.

Gandhi's plea challenged the September 8 Bombay High Court order refusing to quash the defamation case.

A defamation case was filed against the Congress leader over his 2018 remarks targeting the Prime Minister in connection with the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"Issue notice. Returnable in four ...