Supreme Court Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Savarkar Remark, Warns of Suo Motu Action
The Supreme Court on Thursday sternly warned Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his past remarks against freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, cautioning that any future comments could invite suo motu action.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan strongly reprimanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a hearing on Thursday, stating that the court “will not allow anyone to comment on our freedom fighters.” The warning came as Gandhi challenged an Allahabad High Court order refusing to quash criminal defamation proceedings against him.
“Let us be very clear. Any further statements and we will take it up suo motu,” the bench stated firmly. “You are a political leader. Why should you make comments like this? Don’t do this.”
The court granted a temporary stay on the proceedings but made it clear that it viewed the matter seriously.
The case stems from a statement made by Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra on November 17, 2022, in Maharashtra’s Akola district. During the rally, he allegedly referred to Veer Savarkar as a “British servant” who received a pension from the colonial government.
Advocate Nripendra Pandey filed a complaint, accusing Gandhi of making defamatory remarks with the intent to insult a respected freedom fighter. The complaint also alleged a larger conspiracy to tarnish Savarkar’s image.
During the hearing, the court pointedly questioned Gandhi’s knowledge of historical context. “Does your client know even Mahatma Gandhi used the phrase ‘your faithful servant’? Does he know his grandmother also sent a letter to the freedom fighter?” the bench asked, expressing displeasure with the tone and content of the remark.
Gandhi’s counsel maintained that the statement was not intended to provoke or incite, emphasizing there was no deliberate attempt to create enmity or disrespect.
The court also highlighted the sensitivity of the issue, noting that Gandhi made the statement in Akola — a region where Savarkar is widely respected. The bench indicated that public figures should exercise greater caution when referring to national icons, especially in regions with strong local sentiments.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier refused to dismiss the defamation complaint against Gandhi, prompting his legal team to approach the Supreme Court for relief. The case is part of a broader pattern of legal scrutiny faced by the former Congress president over his public statements.
Veer Savarkar, a polarising figure in Indian history, remains a subject of political debate, often dividing opinion along ideological lines.
The Supreme Court’s warning is expected to have a sobering effect on political discourse surrounding historical figures. The matter will continue to be heard, but any further controversial remarks may now attract stricter judicial intervention.
No date has yet been fixed for the next hearing.
