“Know Your History”: Supreme Court Rebukes Rahul Gandhi Over Savarkar Remarks, Stays Defamation Case

SC warns Gandhi against making future statements on freedom fighters, cites Indira Gandhi’s praise for Savarkar; defamation proceedings in Lucknow court stayed

New Delhi [India], April 25:
The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a sharp reprimand to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, questioning his understanding of history and reminding him that even Indira Gandhi, his grandmother and former Prime Minister, had once praised Savarkar in an official letter.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan stayed the criminal defamation proceedings initiated in a Lucknow court against Gandhi, but issued a stern caution that any repeat of such remarks against national icons would attract suo moto action by the apex court.

“Let him not make irresponsible statements about freedom fighters. Is this the way you treat them?” said Justice Datta, adding, “They have given us our freedom. Any further statements, and we will act.”

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🔍 SC Cites Indira Gandhi’s Praise for Savarkar

Justice Datta also questioned senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared on Gandhi’s behalf, over the legitimacy of such comments:

“Does your client know Mahatma Gandhi also signed letters to the Viceroy with ‘your faithful servant’? Does he know his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, as Prime Minister, had sent a letter praising Savarkar?”

The bench stressed the historical importance of figures like Savarkar and objected to statements made without understanding history or context.

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⚖️ Relief with a Warning

While the bench showed inclination to stay the defamation case, it did so on the condition that Gandhi would not make such remarks in the future.

“We are staying the proceedings, but be clear — any further statement, and we will take suo moto cognizance. There will be no question of sanction,” said Justice Datta.

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🧾 Background of the Case

The case stems from a December 2024 press conference, where Rahul Gandhi allegedly called Savarkar a “servant of the British” who “received a pension from them.” The remarks drew widespread criticism, especially from Maharashtra, where Savarkar is deeply revered.

Following a complaint by advocate Nripendra Pandey, a Magistrate in Lucknow summoned Gandhi on December 12, 2024. The Allahabad High Court had earlier refused to quash the summons, prompting Gandhi to approach the Supreme Court.

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🔚 What’s Next?

Though the Supreme Court has provided temporary relief, the tone of the bench indicates zero tolerance going forward for statements that disparage historical freedom fighters.

The court’s remarks have reignited debates on public accountability, political rhetoric, and the responsibility of public figures in preserving the dignity of India’s independence movement.