The Allahabad High Court on Monday deferred the hearing of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s petition to September 3, after complainant’s counsel sought more time.
Gandhi has moved the High Court against a Varanasi court order that revived proceedings for registration of an FIR against him over remarks he made in the United States last year.
The Controversial Remarks
In September 2024, while addressing a programme in America, Rahul Gandhi reportedly said that the atmosphere in India was “not good for Sikhs.” The comment sparked protests back home, with detractors labeling it divisive and provocative.
One of them, Nageshwar Mishra, a resident of Varanasi, attempted to lodge an FIR at the Sarnath police station but was unsuccessful. He then approached the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM, MP-MLA court) seeking judicial intervention.
Mixed Signals From Varanasi Courts
On November 28, 2024, the ACJM dismissed Mishra’s plea, ruling that the statement was made on foreign soil and therefore outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction.
Mishra challenged the order, filing a revision before the Special Judge MP/MLA in Varanasi. On July 21, 2025, the judge overturned the ACJM’s decision, directing that the case be heard afresh. This effectively reopened the possibility of criminal proceedings against Gandhi.
It is this order that the Congress MP is now contesting in the Allahabad High Court.
Gandhi’s Stand In The Court
Rahul Gandhi’s petition argues that the Varanasi revisional court acted “without jurisdiction” in reviving the complaint. His lawyers insist that the alleged speech, having been delivered in America, cannot become the subject of proceedings before a local court in Uttar Pradesh.
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