NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Allahabad high court order refusing to quash summons to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with the defamation case concerning his remarks about Veer Savarkar .
During the hearing, the apex court issued a stern reminder to the leader of opposition stating that Savarkar is revered in Maharashtra and warned of consequences for making disparaging remarks about freedom fighters.
The court, notably, referenced historical context, pointing out that Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had written a letter praising Savarkar.
"Does your client know that his grandmother, when she was the Prime Minister, also sent a letter to the praising the gentleman. So, let's not make irresponsible statements about freedom fighters," the Supreme Court asked senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul.
"This is not how you treat freedom fighters when you don't know anything about the history and geography of the country," the apex court said.
The court also drew a parallel to Mahatma Gandhi's correspondence during the British era, where he used the phrase "your faithful servant."
The case stems from Gandhi's controversial statements about Savarkar during a Bharat Jodo Yatra rally in Maharashtra's Akola district on November 17, 2022. Speaking to media persons in Akola district of Maharashtra during his ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul cited from a letter purportedly written by Savarkar to the Britishers during the freedom struggle pledging his support to them. “Sir, I beg to remain your most obedient servant," Savarkar said and signed on it, according to Rahul.
Advocate Nripendra Pandey subsequently filed a defamation complaint, contending that Gandhi's remarks were deliberately intended to defame Savarkar.
During the hearing, the apex court issued a stern reminder to the leader of opposition stating that Savarkar is revered in Maharashtra and warned of consequences for making disparaging remarks about freedom fighters.
The court, notably, referenced historical context, pointing out that Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had written a letter praising Savarkar.
"Does your client know that his grandmother, when she was the Prime Minister, also sent a letter to the praising the gentleman. So, let's not make irresponsible statements about freedom fighters," the Supreme Court asked senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul.
"This is not how you treat freedom fighters when you don't know anything about the history and geography of the country," the apex court said.
The court also drew a parallel to Mahatma Gandhi's correspondence during the British era, where he used the phrase "your faithful servant."
The case stems from Gandhi's controversial statements about Savarkar during a Bharat Jodo Yatra rally in Maharashtra's Akola district on November 17, 2022. Speaking to media persons in Akola district of Maharashtra during his ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul cited from a letter purportedly written by Savarkar to the Britishers during the freedom struggle pledging his support to them. “Sir, I beg to remain your most obedient servant," Savarkar said and signed on it, according to Rahul.
Advocate Nripendra Pandey subsequently filed a defamation complaint, contending that Gandhi's remarks were deliberately intended to defame Savarkar.
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