Supreme Court Expresses Displeasure over Rahul Gandhi’s Remark on Savarkar, Stays Allahabad HC Order

New Delhi, April 25 – The Supreme Court of India on Friday expressed displeasure over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remark on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling it irresponsible. The court, however, stayed criminal proceedings against Gandhi that had been initiated following the comment made during a political rally in Maharashtra in 2022.

The bench, comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan, made critical observations while hearing Gandhi’s plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that had declined to quash a lower court’s summons. The court noted that mocking freedom fighters was inappropriate and should be avoided, emphasizing the historical importance of figures like Savarkar.

As per agency report, the bench questioned Gandhi’s understanding of India’s freedom movement, reminding his counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, that even Mahatma Gandhi used phrases like “your obedient servant” while addressing the British Viceroy. The judges suggested that such expressions, contextual to the time, did not warrant labeling national leaders as submissive to colonial rule.

The court also highlighted that Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had once praised Savarkar in an official letter. The judges reiterated that public figures, particularly political leaders, should exercise greater caution while making statements about India’s independence struggle.

In a stern warning, the bench noted that any repetition of such remarks could invite suo motu action. It stated that no further derogatory comments should be made against freedom fighters, as such conduct dishonors the sacrifices made for the country’s independence.

Following submissions from Singhvi, the court stayed the criminal proceedings initiated against Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. The case was based on a complaint filed by lawyer Nripendra Pandey, who alleged that Gandhi’s statement promoted enmity between groups and disturbed public harmony. The comment in question was made on November 17, 2022, during Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in Akola district.

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant while staying the effect of the Allahabad High Court’s refusal to quash the lower court’s summons. Although Singhvi urged the bench to refrain from making observations on Gandhi’s intentions, the court emphasized the need for sensitivity while discussing national icons.

The Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench had earlier ruled on April 4 that Gandhi could approach the sessions court with a revision petition, thereby rendering intervention at the High Court level unnecessary. Gandhi had challenged the subordinate court’s order summoning him in the case, arguing that the legal provisions invoked against him were misapplied.

The complainant had accused Gandhi of deliberately insulting Savarkar during the rally and claimed that the remark was part of a deliberate attempt to defame the freedom fighter.