Satyaki Ashok Savarkar opposes Rahul Gandhi’s request to change his defamation trial format, arguing it diverts attention and lacks merit. The court will hear the case on March 19.
Satyaki Ashok Savarkar, a relative of the late Hindutva icon Vinayak Savarkar, has strongly objected to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s plea to convert his defamation trial from a summary trial to a summons trial. The case stems from Gandhi’s 2023 speech in London, where he allegedly made defamatory remarks about Vinayak Savarkar’s actions.
Gandhi had cited historical facts and evidence as justification for seeking a more detailed trial format. However, Savarkar, through his lawyer SA Kolhatkar, has opposed the request, calling it an attempt to divert the case.
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“The accused is again deliberately trying to divert the matter by raising irrelevant arguments about Veer Savarkar’s contributions during the Indian freedom struggle,”
Savarkar’s affidavit states.
The reply further rejects Gandhi’s assertion that the case involves “complex questions of fact and law,” calling the argument unfounded and without merit.
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Savarkar’s counsel argues that Gandhi is using historical references as a mere tactic to prolong the trial. “This speech holds no historical significance, and such an argument is merely a tactic to prolong the case,” the response states.
The affidavit also highlights Gandhi’s past defamation cases, referencing his conviction in Gujarat, which led to his temporary disqualification from the Lok Sabha.
Savarkar’s legal team has urged the Pune court to reject Gandhi’s application and allow the case to proceed without further delays. The court is set to hear the matter on March 19.
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