Savarkar's Grandson Testifies Against Rahul Gandhi in Defamation Case Hearing

The debate over whether Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's release from British imprisonment was linked to mercy petitions has reached a Pune court, where his grandson Satyaki Savarkar is pursuing a criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. During the hearing, Satyaki told the court that Savarkar's release was the result of political efforts and not because of petitions submitted to the British authorities.

Satyaki Savarkar's testimony was recorded before Judicial Magistrate Amol Shinde during the hearing on Wednesday. The defamation case relates to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi about Savarkar and the petitions associated with his imprisonment under British rule. Satyaki has challenged the Congress leader's claims and accused him of making statements that damaged Savarkar's reputation.

While referring to the petitions mentioned by Gandhi in his speech, Satyaki told the court that they were not responsible for Savarkar's eventual release. He maintained that the circumstances surrounding the release had been incorrectly presented and that political efforts played the decisive role. His statement formed a key part of his testimony in the ongoing criminal defamation proceedings.

Also Read: Pune Court Sentences 65-Year-Old Man To Death For Three-Year-Old Girl's Rape And Murder

The court recorded Satyaki's voluntary statement that Savarkar's release did not occur because of the petitions. According to the testimony, the release was instead linked to efforts made in the National Assembly in 1937. Satyaki also pointed out that the Assembly involved in those efforts was not governed by the Congress party at the time.

The case has brought the long-running political debate over Savarkar's imprisonment and petitions back into focus. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly referred to the issue in his political speeches, while Savarkar's supporters and family members have challenged his interpretation of historical events. The disagreement has now become part of formal court proceedings through the criminal defamation complaint filed by Satyaki.

The Pune court is continuing to hear the case and examine the statements and evidence presented by both sides. Satyaki's testimony has placed his version of the circumstances surrounding Savarkar's release on the court record, while the legal dispute over Rahul Gandhi's remarks remains ongoing. Further hearings are expected as the court considers the defamation allegations.

Also Read: Delhi HC Orders Removal Of Defamatory Content Against AAP MP Raghav Chadha