The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by staying a summons issued against him in the Savarkar defamation case. The summons, issued by a magistrate in response to Gandhi’s comments made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra, had previously been upheld by the Allahabad High Court. Gandhi is facing charges under Sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly promoting enmity and inciting public mischief by calling V.D. Savarkar a “servant of the British” who accepted a pension from them.

While hearing the appeal, a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan issued a stern warning to Rahul Gandhi, cautioning him against making similar statements in the future. The court emphasized that such remarks against freedom fighters would not be tolerated, with Justice Datta stating the court might take suo motu action if such comments are repeated. “This is not the way to treat our freedom fighters who gave us freedom,” he said, questioning the motive behind making such statements in a region where Savarkar is revered.

The court also issued notices to the State of Uttar Pradesh and the complainant, Nripendra Pandey, while scheduling the next hearing for eight weeks later. The trial court had earlier criticized Gandhi for spreading hatred through his speech and had imposed a ₹200 fine for his non-appearance. Meanwhile, a Pune court granted him permanent exemption from personal appearances in February 2025, acknowledging his security concerns and position as Leader of the Opposition. The case remains politically sensitive and continues to stir debate across party lines.