The Uttar Pradesh government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s plea to quash a Lucknow court summons related to his comments on Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The affidavit, dated July 23, claims Gandhi deliberately spread hatred during his 2022 Bharat Jodo Yatra through remarks that allegedly demeaned Savarkar. Citing sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, the UP government maintained that Gandhi’s statements were pre-planned to create enmity and public mischief. The Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the matter on Friday, with the state urging dismissal of Gandhi’s petition.
The controversy stems from Gandhi calling Savarkar a “servant of the British,” citing the pension he received from the colonial administration. Earlier in April, the court criticized Gandhi’s remarks, particularly because they were made in Maharashtra, where Savarkar is revered. The court reminded Gandhi of historical facts, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s letter praising Savarkar and Mahatma Gandhi’s respectful communication with British authorities, where he called himself a faithful “servant.” The bench cautioned Rahul Gandhi against making statements about freedom fighters “without knowing history or geography,” warning that such comments distort the legacy of India’s freedom struggle.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Gandhi, assured the court that no further remarks against Savarkar would be made. However, the trial court previously noted that Gandhi’s statements spread “hatred and ill-will” in society. A complaint filed by lawyer Nripendra Pandey alleged that Gandhi’s comments hurt Hindu sentiments and insulted a prominent freedom fighter. Though the complaint was initially dismissed in June 2023, it was revived on a revision petition. Gandhi’s legal team has argued that his statements do not constitute the criminal offenses charged under the IPC, but the state government insists otherwise.
