New Delhi/IBNS: Soon after the Supreme Court stayed the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname" remark made at an election rally in 2019, the Congress scion said his duty remains the same which is protecting the idea of India.

"Come what may, my duty remains the same. Protect the idea of India," the Congress leader tweeted in his first reaction after the top court overturned a lower court order, which led to his disqualification as an MP.

Addressing a press conference with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi said, "My path is clear. I have clarity about what I need to do. I am thankful for all the support."

Kharge said, "Democracy has won. He fought for truth... and walked over 4,000 km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and met people from all walks of life. Their blessings gave us this relief."

Taking a swipe at the ruling BJP, Kharge said, "It took them less than 24 hours to disqualify him. Now let's see how long it takes to reinstate him."

The Supreme Court earlier in the day stayed the Gujarat High Court order, which had upheld the conviction of Rahul Gandhi for defamation over his "Modi surname" remark in 2019.

The judgement is stayed until the larger appeal is heard on merit, a bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice B R Gavai said in its order.

The apex court passed the order after noting that there were no reasons given by the trial judge for giving the maximum punishment of two years.

The SC also said that the disqualification affected not only Gandhi but also the electorate of his constituency.

However, the top court also cautioned Gandhi that he should have been more careful in making the alleged remarks.

The court noted in its order that it had heard the counsel at length and that the arguments were entering into the merits of the matter.

"Proceedings are pending before the specific court, we therefore refuse to comment on the merits so as not to influence proceedings. On the stay of the sentence, we have considered certain aspects of the case.

"There is no doubt that the utterances by the petitioner are not in good taste," Justice Gavai noted in his order.

However, the SC noted that the trial judge has given the maximum punishment of two years without sufficient reasons and grounds.

"Order of the conviction is stayed," Justice Gavai said.