- India,
- 05-Mar-2025 07:40 PM IST
Rahul Gandhi Court: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been fined Rs 200 by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court of Lucknow and ordered to appear in court on April 14. The case was registered over a statement made in Akola, Maharashtra.Background of the caseRahul Gandhi made a controversial statement on freedom fighter Veer Savarkar during a press conference in Akola on 17 December 2022. He allegedly called Veer Savarkar a "servant and pensioner of the British". A complaint was filed against this statement in the ACJM Court of Lucknow. The complainant claims that this statement of Rahul Gandhi is going to spread hatred in the society.Fine imposed for not appearing in courtRahul Gandhi was to appear in court in this case today, but his lawyer filed an application for exemption from appearance in the court. It was argued in the application that Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and he had to meet a foreign dignitary today, which was already fixed.However, the court rejected this argument and imposed a fine of Rs 200 on Rahul Gandhi for his absence. The court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate also made it clear that Rahul Gandhi will have to compulsorily appear in the court on April 14. If he does not appear in the court, legal action can be taken against him.Arguments of lawyersOn behalf of Rahul Gandhi, lawyer Pranshu Agarwal appeared in the court and applied for exemption from appearance. On the other hand, petitioner's lawyer Nripendra Pandey told the court that Rahul Gandhi is not appearing in the court despite repeated summons and strict action should be taken against him.Political and legal impactThis case has created a stir in political circles. The Congress party is calling it a result of political pressure, while the BJP and other opposition parties are considering it as part of the legal process. Rahul Gandhi has been embroiled in controversies over his statements in the past, and this case can become a new legal challenge for him.