Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received bail in a defamation case concerning comments made about Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar during a London speech in March 2023. The MP/MLA court approved bail on a Rs 25,000 bond and exempted Gandhi from future personal appearances. The next hearing is scheduled for February 18.
Pune: In a defamation case involving alleged remarks on Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail by a special court in Pune on Friday. The case stemmed from comments Gandhi made during a speech in London in March 2023, referencing a book authored by Savarkar.
The MP/MLA court granted bail to Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on a surety bond of Rs 25,000. The Congress leader appeared for the hearing via video conferencing, with senior party leader Mohan Joshi standing as surety before the court.
Advocate Milind Pawar, who represented Rahul Gandhi, stated that the court also granted permanent exemption to the Congress leader from appearing for future hearings in person.
“The matter has now been adjourned for further hearing on February 18,”
Advocate Pawar added.
The defamation complaint was filed by Savarkar’s grandnephew in response to comments Gandhi made while speaking at an event in London. During his speech, Gandhi had cited a book authored by V D Savarkar to make remarks that the complainant alleged were defamatory toward the freedom fighter.
The complaint argued that Gandhi’s statements tarnished the reputation and legacy of Savarkar, a prominent figure in India’s independence movement and a key proponent of Hindutva ideology.
This case adds to the list of legal battles faced by Rahul Gandhi, who has previously been embroiled in defamation cases tied to his political statements.
With the court granting him permanent exemption from personal appearances, Gandhi can focus on his political duties while the case proceeds.
The next hearing on February 18 will be closely monitored for further developments in this high-profile legal matter.
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