A court in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, dismissed a petition seeking an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The petition pertained to his remarks on religious freedom in India, particularly comments related to the Sikh community.
A court in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, dismissed a petition that sought the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concerning his comments on religious freedom in India, specifically regarding the Sikh community.
Earlier, On November 28, 2024, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM MP-MLA) in Varanasi had dismissed an application from Nageshwar Mishra that sought to register an FIR against Gandhi, stating that the speech was made in the U.S. and thus outside its jurisdiction.
Mishra challenged this decision in the sessions court, and on July 21, 2025, the Special Judge (MP/MLA) ordered the ACJM to reconsider the matter.
In his revision petition to the Allahabad High Court, Mr. Gandhi contends that the order from the special court is “wrong, illegal and without jurisdiction.”
During a program in the U.S. in September 2024, Rahul Gandhi reportedly stated that the environment in India is not conducive for Sikhs. His comments were characterized as “provocative and divisive,” leading to protests in response.
Nageshwar Mishra, a resident of Varanasi, attempted to file an FIR against Gandhi at the Sarnath police station. After failing to do so, he subsequently submitted the application to the court against the Congress leader.
Petition filed in a Varanasi court, seeking the initiation of legal action against Gandhi for his comments. The plea argued that Gandhi’s statement could harm the reputation of India and the Sikh community. The petitioners contended that such remarks could create unnecessary fear and insecurity among Sikhs, both in India and abroad.