In a notable legal development, the Lucknow court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Alok Varma summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on January 10, 2025. The summons relates to allegations of Gandhi making derogatory remarks against the revered freedom fighter Savarkar.
The complaint, lodged by advocate Nripendra Pandey, centers on statements Gandhi allegedly made during a press conference in Akola, Maharashtra, on November 17, 2022. According to Pandey, Gandhi referred to Savarkar as a “servant of the British” and a “pensioner,” comments that were broadcast live on a national news channel.
Advocate Pandey’s complaint accuses Gandhi of spreading animosity and hatred through his statements, which were purportedly part of a calculated effort to tarnish Savarkar’s reputation. “Along with the derogatory comments, pre-prepared press notes were distributed to journalists at the conference, indicating that this was a planned act of defamation,” Pandey argued in his complaint.
The case initially saw the rejection of Pandey’s petition by the ACJM. However, upon appeal, the Additional District Judge Harbans Narain Singh, presiding over the revision court, directed a re-hearing. On October 3, 2024, Judge Singh ordered the ACJM’s court to proceed with the case, finding prima facie evidence to suggest that Gandhi might be responsible for offenses under sections 153(A) and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, both of which concern the promotion of enmity between different groups.
