Sambhal Court Issues Notice To Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Indian State’ Remark

Rahul Gandhi

A local court in Sambhal has issued a notice to Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, seeking his response to a complaint regarding his statement about “fighting the Indian state itself.”

The remark was made during the inauguration of the Congress’ new headquarters in Delhi on January 15, 2025.

Background of the Case

The complaint was filed by Simran Gupta, national president of the Hindu Shakti Dal, who alleged that Gandhi’s statement was disrespectful towards the citizens and democracy of the country. Gupta initially approached the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in Sambhal but, receiving no action, filed a case in court on January 23, 2025.

Court Proceedings

The court had earlier directed Gandhi to appear on April 4, 2025, but extended the date to May 7 for submission of his response. On May 7, due to the absence of Gandhi’s counsel, a junior lawyer requested a new date, which the court accepted, setting June 16 as the next date of hearing.

The Controversial Statement

During the event on January 15, Gandhi had alleged that the BJP and the RSS had “captured every institution of the country” and stated, “We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian state itself.” This statement has been the focal point of the legal complaint.

The court has now scheduled the next hearing for June 16, 2025, where it expects a response from Rahul Gandhi regarding the allegations.