A Pune court has called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on May 9 in a defamation suit stemming from his remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
The case was lodged by a relative of Savarkar, who took offense to Gandhi’s comments made during a speech in London.
The lawsuit was initiated when Rahul Gandhi, speaking abroad, criticized Savarkar and his associates for allegedly assaulting a Muslim. He stated,
“They (Savarkar and his friends) beat up a Muslim and felt happy. If five people beat up one person and someone is getting happy, then this is cowardice. Fifteen people with Savarkarji are beating one person. This is also in their ideology.”
These words prompted legal action in Pune, where a descendant of the freedom fighter filed criminal defamation charges.
Court’s Intervention & Warning
Parallel to the Pune proceedings, the Supreme Court of India addressed another defamation petition against Rahul Gandhi over the same comments.
The bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan reprimanded the MP for making sweeping statements about a revered national figure. They urged Gandhi to exercise caution before speaking on freedom fighters.
During hearings, Justice Datta highlighted a historical letter from Gandhi’s own family, asking senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi,
“Does Rahul Gandhi know that his grandmother, when she was the Prime Minister, also sent a letter to somebody praising the gentleman (Savarkar)?”
The bench drew attention to Mahatma Gandhi’s own choice of words in correspondence with the British Viceroy, remarking,
“Does your client know Mahatma Gandhi also used ‘your faithful servant’ while addressing the Viceroy?”
Emphasis On Historical Understanding
Court stressed that public figures must not casually dismiss the legacy of those who played roles in India’s independence. “You can’t make such statements without knowing the history and geography of freedom fighters,” the bench admonished, warning that future irresponsible remarks would invite suo motu action without the need for formal sanction.
Justice Datta underscored Savarkar’s deep-rooted reverence, especially in Maharashtra, noting that derogatory comments could inflame regional sentiments:
“Let’s be clear, any further statement and we will take suo motu action. We will not allow you to speak about the freedom fighters. They have given us freedom.”
Stay of Lucknow Proceedings Conditioned on Conduct
In addition to its stern warning, the Supreme Court stayed the criminal defamation case pending in Lucknow, on the condition that Rahul Gandhi refrain from making further controversial comments about Savarkar or other freedom fighters.
This stay provides temporary relief but hinges entirely on Gandhi’s promise to curb future remarks.
As the Pune court date approaches on May 9, Rahul Gandhi faces two parallel legal challenges over the same London speech. The outcomes in both Pune and Lucknow will test the boundaries of free speech and historical critique in India’s charged political environment.
Continuous daily hearings, as ordered by the Pune bench, will determine whether Gandhi’s statements amount to defamation or fall under the protection of free expression.
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