- India,
- 25-Apr-2025 03:40 PM IST
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court on Friday heard the petition of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Veer Savarkar defamation case. During the hearing, the court expressed serious concern over Rahul Gandhi's statement and warned him to avoid irresponsible comments about freedom fighters.The court said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to maintain a sense of respect for freedom fighters, especially those leaders who put their views before the public. The court specifically mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi himself respected Savarkar and used words like "Faithful Servant". Also, the court also reminded that Indira Gandhi had written a letter to Savarkar, which shows respect for him.Strict warning to Rahul GandhiA division bench of Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice Manmohan said, "You cannot make such statements without understanding the history of freedom fighters. Tomorrow you will also say that Mahatma Gandhi was a servant of the British because he wrote 'Faithful Servant' for Savarkar?" The court clarified that if Rahul Gandhi makes any such statement in future, the court will take suo motu cognizance and start hearing.Court's question to senior advocateThe bench also asked senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul Gandhi, whether Rahul Gandhi is aware that Mahatma Gandhi often used words like "your faithful servant" for British officials in his letters. This question indicates that presenting historical events out of context is not justified.Notice to complainant and UP governmentIn this case, the court also issued notice to complainant Nripendra Pandey, who had alleged that Rahul Gandhi "intentionally" insulted Savarkar in a public meeting. Along with this, sending notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, the court has sought a reply from them.Stay on lower court summonsThe Supreme Court also stayed the order of the Allahabad High Court, which refused to cancel the summons issued against Rahul Gandhi by the lower court. This decision provides relief to Rahul Gandhi for the time being, but his statements are sure to be severely monitored in the future.