The Supreme Court on Friday criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making “irresponsible” remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar during a rally in Maharashtra.
At the same time, the court stayed the criminal proceedings filed against him over the comments.
Case Background
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan expressed disapproval over Gandhi’s remarks, emphasizing that national heroes and freedom fighters should be treated with respect.
“Let’s not mock our freedom fighters,” the bench remarked, while hearing submissions from senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who represented Gandhi in the matter.
The bench also brought up how Mahatma Gandhi used respectful language, including phrases like “your faithful servant,” in correspondence with British officials. The court questioned whether Rahul Gandhi was aware of such historical nuances before making his statement.
The comments made by Gandhi had led to a criminal complaint, which the Supreme Court has now put on hold, while also reminding public figures to exercise caution and responsibility in their public discourse.
Further hearings in the case are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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