New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a sharp reprimand to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over controversial remarks he made about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, even as it stayed a trial court’s summons related to the defamation case.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Dutta and Manmohan stressed the importance of upholding the dignity of national icons, stating unequivocally, “We won’t allow anyone to defame our freedom fighters.” The court also pointed out that Gandhi’s own grandfather, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, had publicly acknowledged Savarkar’s contributions.
The warning comes a day after Gandhi petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking relief from an earlier Allahabad High Court decision that declined to quash the summons issued against him.
The defamation case stems from remarks made by Gandhi during a rally in Akola, Maharashtra, on November 17, 2022, as part of the Congress party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. During his speech, Gandhi allegedly referred to Savarkar as a “British servant” and claimed the freedom fighter had received a pension from the colonial government — comments that sparked widespread backlash.
Advising restraint, the Supreme Court reminded Gandhi of his responsibilities as a political leader. “Why should you make comments like this? Don’t do this. If the intention wasn’t to provoke, then why make such statements?” the bench remarked. It also cautioned that similar statements in the future could invite suo motu action from the court.
The matter is expected to be closely watched in political and legal circles alike as the proceedings continue.
