A Lucknow court has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on January 10, 2025, regarding his alleged inflammatory remarks about Veer Savarkar, made in December 2022. The case, focusing on accusations of inciting hatred and defaming Savarkar, has intensified political tensions between the Congress and BJP parties.
Lucknow: A Lucknow court has issued a summons for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on January 10, 2025, in connection with a case filed over his alleged provocative remarks about Veer Savarkar. The case centers on comments made by Gandhi in December 2022, which were deemed inflammatory and disrespectful towards the revered freedom fighter.
The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court summoned Gandhi under sections 153(A) and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly making statements intended to promote hatred and disharmony. The complaint was filed by lawyer Nripendra Pandey, who accused Gandhi of defaming Veer Savarkar during a press conference held in Akola, Maharashtra, on December 17, 2022.
Read Also: Delhi HC Reserves Verdict on Restaurant Petition Against Service Charge Guidelines
In his petition, Pandey claimed that Gandhi referred to Veer Savarkar as an “English servant” and a “pensioner,” alleging that the remarks were designed to undermine Savarkar’s legacy and incite societal division. “This was a calculated effort to spread animosity,” Pandey argued, highlighting the distribution of prepared pamphlets to journalists during the event, which he described as evidence of a deliberate strategy by the Congress leader.
Rahul Gandhi’s controversial remarks were part of a broader critique of Veer Savarkar, whom he accused of collaborating with British colonial rulers. During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi claimed that Savarkar had written letters to the British expressing willingness to remain their subject, signed a letter of apology out of fear, and betrayed Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
The comments ignited an immediate backlash, with critics accusing Gandhi of “distorting history” and disrespecting a key figure of India’s freedom movement. Political debate ensued, with BJP supporters condemning the remarks as an attempt to diminish Savarkar’s contributions to India’s independence. On the other hand, Congress supporters defended Gandhi, arguing that historical scrutiny of Savarkar’s actions during the colonial era is valid.
The controversy reached the court after an investigation was ordered earlier under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) following Pandey’s petition. The court instructed the Hazratganj police to investigate the matter, assigning the inquiry to an Inspector-level officer. The summons comes after the completion of this inquiry.
This case adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress and BJP, particularly in light of Gandhi’s high-profile Bharat Jodo Yatra. As the court date approaches, the case is likely to fuel further debate about the role of historical figures like Veer Savarkar in India’s independence narrative and how they are portrayed in contemporary politics.
The upcoming court appearance will be closely watched, with both supporters and detractors of Rahul Gandhi eager to see how the case unfolds.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES