'Let’s not mock our freedom fighters’: SC rebukes Rahul Gandhi over Savarkar remark, stays FIR

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his “irresponsible” remarks on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, cautioning him against making such statements in future.

A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan stayed criminal proceedings against Gandhi in a case registered in Uttar Pradesh but made it clear that the court viewed the comments seriously. The court observed, “Let’s not mock our freedom fighters.”

The remarks in question were made by Gandhi during a rally held on 17 November 2022 in Akola, Maharashtra, as part of the Congress party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. A complaint was subsequently filed by advocate Nripendra Pandey, accusing the Congress MP of “intentionally” insulting Savarkar and promoting enmity between communities.

During the hearing, the bench questioned Gandhi’s understanding of history, asking whether he was aware that even Mahatma Gandhi had used phrases like “your faithful servant” in his correspondence with British authorities. The court further warned that any future comments of a similar nature could lead to suo motu (on its own) action by the court.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Gandhi, appeared before the court as it issued notices to the complainant and the Uttar Pradesh government, seeking their responses to the Congress leader’s plea. Gandhi has challenged a previous Allahabad High Court decision that refused to quash the summons issued against him in the matter.

The case was filed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to promoting enmity and public mischief.

While the court granted interim relief by staying proceedings, it made clear that the stature of public figures carries responsibility, particularly when speaking about national icons.