Pune Court Approves Rahul Gandhi’s Request For Summons Trial In Savarkar Defamation Case
Pune Court Approves Rahul Gandhi’s Request For Summons Trial In Savarkar Defamation Case
Pune, April 8, 2025: A special court in Pune has ordered that the defamation case filed against Congress leader and Opposition MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar be conducted as a ‘summons trial’.
The case was filed by SatyaKi Savarkar, the grandson of Veer Savarkar, who accused Gandhi of making insulting statements about the late revolutionary during a public event in London. Special Judge Amol Shinde approved the plea to proceed with the trial under the summons procedure.
During the hearing, Advocate Milind Pawar, representing Rahul Gandhi, argued that the case is based on historical events and would require detailed cross-examination by the defence. He stated that conducting it as a ‘summary trial’ would limit the defence’s ability to thoroughly question witnesses and present evidence, which would be against the principles of natural justice.
Pawar also highlighted that several key documents—such as SatyaKi Savarkar’s submissions, a CD of Gandhi’s speech in London, newspaper reports, books, and affidavits of witnesses—have not yet been handed over to the defence. He requested the court to issue directions for these materials to be shared before the hearings begin.
Accepting these arguments, the court has sought a written submission from SatyaKi Savarkar. The next hearing is scheduled for April 25.
