Pune Court Summons Rahul Gandhi On October 23 Over Defamation Allegations In Savarkar Case
Pune Court Summons Rahul Gandhi On October 23 Over Defamation Allegations In Savarkar Case
A Pune special court handling cases related to MPs and MLAs has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on October 23, 2024, in connection with allegations of defaming freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Special Judge A. S. Shinde issued the summons, stating Gandhi’s attendance was required to respond to charges under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The complaint, filed by Savarkar’s grandnephew Satyaki Savarkar, accuses Gandhi of making defamatory remarks during a speech in London on March 5, 2023. Gandhi allegedly stated that Savarkar had written about an incident where he and his friends attacked a Muslim, which Satyaki claims is false. He submitted news reports and a YouTube video as evidence of the speech.
Initially, the case was being heard by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Akshi Jain. However, on September 21, the case was moved to the special court to expedite proceedings involving MPs and MLAs. During a recent hearing, a lawyer assisting Gandhi appeared before the court, but Satyaki’s counsel, Sangram Kolhatkar, argued that the lawyer had not filed the necessary vakalatnama. Consequently, the court issued the summons to Gandhi.
In his complaint, Satyaki contends that Gandhi intentionally made false and malicious allegations to harm Savarkar’s reputation. He requested the maximum punishment under Section 500 of the IPC and compensation under Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
After recording the statements of Satyaki and two witnesses, the court directed Pune police to investigate the matter under Section 202 of the CrPC. The police, in their May 27 report, concluded that Gandhi had indeed defamed Savarkar in his London speech. Subsequently, the magistrate had issued an earlier summons for Gandhi to appear on August 19, but it was not received by Gandhi, leading to his absence in court.
Advocate Kolhatkar confirmed that the latest summons would be sent to Gandhi soon.
