In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Allahabad High Court’s decision refusing to quash the summons issued to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case related to his controversial remarks against freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan issued notice in the matter and strongly reprimanded Gandhi for making sweeping statements about historical figures. “He is a political leader of a political party. Why should he make such a statement? Don’t do this,” Justice Datta remarked, directing his comments at Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing on behalf of Rahul Gandhi.
The Court emphasized the need for restraint, especially when referring to national icons. Justice Datta pointed out that even Mahatma Gandhi used the phrase “your faithful servant” in correspondence and reminded the counsel that Indira Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother, had once written a respectful letter praising Savarkar. “Does your client understand the history and legacy of our freedom fighters? Let him not make such remarks irresponsibly,” the Bench observed. Justice Datta further warned, “You have a strong case on law, and you will get a stay. But if there are any further irresponsible statements from him, the Court will be compelled to take up the matter suo motu.”
The controversy stems from a 2022 press conference in Maharashtra where Rahul Gandhi allegedly referred to Veer Savarkar as a “servant of the British” who accepted a pension from them. A defamation complaint was filed, and while initially dismissed in June 2023, it was later revived by a Sessions Court. The Allahabad High Court had, on April 4, 2025, refused to quash the proceedings, citing that Rahul Gandhi had alternative legal remedies. Consequently, the Congress leader approached the Supreme Court. Additionally, a Lucknow court recently fined Gandhi Rs 200 for failing to appear in the case and warned of a non-bailable warrant if he did not attend the next hearing scheduled for April 14.
