Pune, October 5: A special court in Pune has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The court’s summons, issued on Friday, requires Gandhi to appear in person on October 23 to address charges of defamation under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The defamation complaint stems from remarks made by Gandhi during a speech in London in March 2023. In his speech, Gandhi alleged that Savarkar had claimed to have participated in an incident where he and several friends beat up a Muslim man, expressing happiness about the act. Satyaki Savarkar has strongly denied these allegations, asserting that no such incident occurred and that his granduncle never documented such a claim.
Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, representing Satyaki Savarkar, emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Gandhi, stating that the court deemed it necessary for the Congress leader to be present to answer the allegations. The case, initially filed in a Pune court last year, was transferred to the special court for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) last month.
Following the complaint, the court instructed the police to investigate the matter. The Vishrambaug police station conducted an inquiry and reported finding prima facie evidence supporting the claims made by Satyaki Savarkar.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, this case highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by political figures in India regarding statements made in public forums. The outcome of the upcoming court appearance will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.
