Supreme Court Extends Stay in Rahul Gandhi’s Savarkar Case

The Supreme Court on Friday extended its stay on criminal proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a case filed in Uttar Pradesh over his 2022 remarks against freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih deferred the hearing for four weeks after Gandhi sought an adjournment, scheduling it for late August.

The case, lodged by advocate Nripendra Pandey, accuses Gandhi of promoting enmity and public mischief through comments made during a Bharat Jodo Yatra rally in Akola, Maharashtra, on November 17, 2022. The Uttar Pradesh government, represented by senior advocate Garima Prasad, opposed Gandhi’s plea to quash the summons, arguing his remarks were intended to “spread hate and enmity.” The state upheld the Allahabad High Court’s February 2023 order rejecting Gandhi’s plea as “justified and legal.”

On April 25, the Supreme Court had criticized Gandhi’s “irresponsible” remarks, warning against mocking freedom fighters, but granted an interim stay. The bench allowed Pandey to file a reply by Friday and permitted Gandhi two weeks to submit a rejoinder to responses from the state and others. The case, invoking IPC sections 153A and 505, continues to spotlight tensions over historical figures in Indian politics.

Also Read: CPI(M)’s John Brittas Slams Rahul Gandhi for Equating Left with RSS

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Urges Kerala CM for Urgent School Safety Audit