SC rebukes Rahul Gandhi over Veer Savarkar remarks, warns of suo motu action on repeat

PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a stern warning to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his controversial remarks about freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, stating it would not tolerate defamatory statements against national heroes and warning that any repetition could prompt suo motu proceedings by the court.

The rebuke came as the apex court heard Rahul Gandhi's plea challenging a decision by the Allahabad High Court, which had declined to quash a defamation case filed against him. The case pertains to a comment made by the Congress MP during his Bharat Jodo Yatra on November 17, 2022, in Maharashtra’s Akola district, where he allegedly referred to Savarkar as a "British servant" and claimed the revolutionary received a pension from the British colonial administration.

A Bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan presided over the hearing. Rahul Gandhi's legal team argued that the remarks were not made with any intent to spread enmity or provoke unrest. However, the court did not find the explanation satisfactory and expressed deep concern over the language used. “Does your client even understand that Mahatma Gandhi also used the term ‘your faithful servant’? Is he aware that his grandmother (Indira Gandhi) had also written a letter to Savarkar?” the Bench questioned.

Taking a strong position, the Bench told Rahul Gandhi’s counsel, “As a political figure, he must be cautious. Why make such statements if the intent was not to provoke? There is no reason to insult freedom fighters, especially someone like Savarkar who is highly respected in Maharashtra.”

While the court granted an interim stay on the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi for the time being, it warned in no uncertain terms that any further similar remarks would lead to suo motu contempt action. “Let us make it very clear. We will not permit anyone to speak disparagingly about our freedom fighters,” the Bench stated.

The court also took note of the regional sensitivity, emphasising that Akola—where the remark was made—is a region where Veer Savarkar holds deep emotional significance among the people.

The defamation complaint was filed by Advocate Nripendra Pandey, who accused Rahul Gandhi of deliberately attempting to tarnish the image of Savarkar. The complainant argued that the remarks were not off-the-cuff but part of a larger strategy to defame the freedom fighter as part of a political narrative.