Lucknow: A court in Lucknow on Friday issued summons against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, ordering him to appear on January 10, in connection with controversial remarks he made about Veer Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter.
Rahul Gandhi has been summoned as an accused for trial under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505 (public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.
What’s the case?
The case revolves around a press conference held by Rahul Gandhi in Akola, Maharashtra, on November 17, 2022. During the conference, he allegedly referred to Savarkar as a “servant of the British” and claimed that he took a pension from the British government. These remarks sparked widespread criticism, leading to a complaint filed by Advocate Nripendra Pandey, who accused Gandhi of spreading hatred and defaming Savarkar.
In his complaint, Pandey said that Rahul Gandhi’s words insulted Savarkar, who is seen as a key figure in India’s struggle for independence. Pandey further said that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks could create divisions in society and weaken the country’s unity. He also claimed that Rahul Gandhi distributed pamphlets with similar content before making his speech at the press conference, which, according to the complaint, was an attempt to spread hatred and enmity in society.
Arguments in case
The Lucknow court, after reviewing the case, agreed that a prima facie case had been made against Rahul Gandhi. The court’s ruling pointed out that Rahul Gandhi’s actions through his speech and pamphlets had the potential to disturb public harmony and tarnish the image of a respected nationalist figure like Savarkar.
In his complaint, Pandey described Savarkar as a “fearless freedom fighter” who endured harsh treatment under British rule in his fight for India’s independence. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for using “indecent words” to describe Savarkar and claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks were aimed at creating an inferiority complex toward the freedom fighter.
The case has gone through several legal stages. Initially dismissed in June 2023, Pandey challenged the decision, and the Sessions Court allowed the revision petition. The case was then transferred to the Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division)/ACJM Court, which has now summoned Rahul Gandhi for trial.
