On April 25, the Supreme Court of India stayed criminal defamation proceedings against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding his remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. However, the Court strongly criticised Gandhi for making such comments, issuing a clear oral warning against repeating them in the future.
“We will not allow you to speak anything about our freedom fighters. They have given us freedom, and this is how we treat them?” – Justice Dipankar Datta
Read Also:- Supreme Court: Time-Barred Service Claims Cannot Be Revived by Delayed Representation
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan. Justice Datta expressed concern over Gandhi’s statement, questioning how a freedom fighter could be referred to as a "servant of the British." He pointed out that even Mahatma Gandhi used phrases like "your faithful servant" in his letters to the British Viceroy.
“Does your client know Mahatma Gandhi also used ‘your faithful servant’ while addressing the Viceroy?” – Justice Dipankar Datta
The Court reminded Gandhi’s counsel, Senior Advocate AM Singhvi, that even Indira Gandhi, his grandmother and former Prime Minister, had praised Savarkar in her letters. Justice Datta cautioned Gandhi against making irresponsible statements, especially in regions like Maharashtra, where Savarkar is widely respected.
“Why do you make such statements? You go to Akola, Maharashtra, where he is worshipped, and say this?” – Justice Dipankar Datta
Read Also:- Supreme Court: Landlord's Family Member's Need Is Also a Valid Ground for Tenant's Eviction
Although the Court granted a stay on the proceedings, it made it clear that any further such statement from Gandhi could lead to suo motu action without the need for permission or sanction.
“Let’s be clear, any further statement and we will take suo motu and no question of sanction!” – Justice Dipankar Datta
Rahul Gandhi had approached the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court declined to give relief on April 4. The defamation case was based on Gandhi’s statement during a press conference, where he allegedly called Savarkar a British servant who accepted a pension from the British government.
Read Also:- SC Clears HDFC Bank Officer of Criminal Charges in Tamil Nadu Property Auction Case
The complaint, filed by Advocate Nripendra Pandey, alleged that Gandhi’s words aimed to spread hatred and insult national values. In his December order, Addl. Civil Judge (Sr. Div.)/ACJM Alok Verma observed that distributing such materials showed a clear intent to disturb social harmony.
The Supreme Court’s oral observations stand as a strong message to public figures to show responsibility while speaking about India’s freedom fighters. The bench allowed the stay on proceedings, with Singhvi assuring the Court that Gandhi would refrain from making such remarks in the future, though the Court did not include this condition in its written order.
Case Details: RAHUL GANDHI v. STATE OF U.P. AND ANR., SLP(Crl) No. 6196/2025
