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On April 25, the Supreme Court reprimanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his controversial remarks about Veer Savarkar, a key Hindutva figure and revered icon within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The apex court stayed the summons issued to Gandhi by a Lucknow court but issued a stern verbal warning against making similar statements in the future.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan emphasized the importance of historical context and cautioned Gandhi against irresponsible statements about freedom fighters. "Let him not make any statement on freedom fighters without knowing any history or geography," the court stated.
Justice Datta specifically challenged Gandhi's characterization of Savarkar as a servant of the British, highlighting that Mahatma Gandhi had also respectfully addressed British officials in correspondence. Additionally, Justice Datta reminded Gandhi’s counsel, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had praised Savarkar in a letter during her tenure.
Rahul Gandhi's controversial statements, made at a press conference, described Veer Savarkar as a British servant who received a pension from colonial authorities. Following these remarks, Lucknow-based lawyer Nripendra Pandey filed a complaint alleging Gandhi’s statements promoted enmity in society.
The Supreme Court stayed the Lucknow court's proceedings conditionally, stating, "We will grant you a stay, but we will restrain you from making irresponsible statements. Any further statement and we will take suo motu action, and no question of sanction will arise. We will not allow you to speak irresponsibly about our freedom fighters."
Senior Advocate Singhvi assured the court that Gandhi would refrain from making similar remarks.
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