The Karnataka High Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, concerning his alleged comments on “mass rape” involving former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna. The court, led by Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind, ruled that the issues raised did not meet the criteria for public interest litigation.
The petition, initiated by the All India Dalit Action Committee, centered on Gandhi’s remarks made during election rallies on May 2 in Shivamogga and Raichur. The Congress leader was accused of attributing “mass rape” incidents to Revanna, sparking controversy and leading to demands for an unconditional apology for the supposed harm caused to the community in Hassan.
In court, the petitioners argued that Gandhi’s statements were tantamount to hate speech and had sown discord and suspicion among the residents of Hassan, significantly impacting the social harmony of the area. “Every household is doubting the other now,” claimed the counsel for the petitioner, emphasizing the divisive impact of the remarks.
However, the High Court clarified that the allegations against Gandhi, framed as a defamation and disturbance of peace issue, did not align with the purposes of public interest litigation, which is intended to address broader societal issues rather than individual grievances or political disputes.
“We are not commenting on the merits of Mr. Gandhi’s speech. We are merely stating that this does not constitute a matter for public interest litigation,” the bench remarked during the dismissal.
This ruling not only relieves Rahul Gandhi of one legal battle but also sets a significant precedent on the limitations of PILs in cases involving political figures and alleged defamation. It underscores the judiciary’s stance that not all political controversies are amenable to resolution through the public interest litigation framework.
