On 25th April 2025, the Supreme Court division bench of Justice Dipankar and Justice Manmohan stayed criminal defamation proceedings against Rahul Gandhi, pending in a Lucknow court, specifically related to his statement stating that Savarkar was a servant of the British and that he took a pension from the British.

The court conveyed a strong warning, indicating that any future comments of a similar nature would provoke "suo moto" actions against him.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Advocate Nripendra Pandey over Gandhi's remarks in a press conference, where he allegedly stated that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a British servant who received a pension from them. The complaint accused Gandhi of spreading hatred and insulting national values. A Lucknow court had summoned Gandhi in December 2023. The Allahabad High Court on 4th April, 2025, while refusing to intervene, noted that Gandhi could seek remedy from the Sessions Judge under Section 397 CrPC (Section 438 BNSS), and accordingly disposed of the petition. Aggrieved by this, Rahul Gandhi approached the Supreme Court.

During a hearing, the Supreme Court criticized Gandhi for making alleged remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Savarkar. Justice Datta questioned whether Gandhi knew that Mahatma Gandhi also used terms like “your faithful servant” and Indira Gandhi had shown respect to Savarkar. He expressed concern over Gandhi's statements made in Maharashtra, where Savarkar is worshipped, and warned against making irresponsible remarks about freedom fighters.

Although the Court acknowledged that the Senior Advocate had raised a valid legal argument and was inclined to stay the proceedings against Gandhi, it did so with a cautionary note, emphasizing that no further irresponsible statements should be made about freedom fighters. The bench also warned that any future derogatory statements would lead to suo moto action.

Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi, representing Gandhi, gave an oral assurance that no such statements would be made in the future.

Source: News