Supreme Court Grants Stay on Rahul Gandhi’s Summons Over Savarkar Remarks; Criticizes Statement

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday intervened in a legal matter involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, granting a stay on a summons issued by a Lucknow court concerning his controversial remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The court, however, did not hesitate to express its disapproval of Gandhi’s statement, advising him to refrain from commenting on freedom fighters without a proper understanding of history and geography.​

The controversy stems from comments made by Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in November 2022 in Akola, Maharashtra. A lawyer filed a complaint alleging that Gandhi’s remarks promoted enmity between different groups, leading to the issuance of a summons by a Lucknow court. Gandhi approached the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court, on April 4, declined to quash the summons, suggesting he file a revision petition before the sessions court.​

In a separate development, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Kashmir on Friday to visit those injured in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which occurred on April 22, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. Gandhi is expected to visit the Army’s Base Hospital in Badamibagh Cantonment to inquire about the health of the injured.​

The Supreme Court’s stay on the summons provides temporary relief to Gandhi, but the criticism of his remarks underscores the sensitivity surrounding statements about historical figures and their impact on public sentiment. As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the ongoing discourse on the balance between free speech and responsible commentary on national icons.​

In the context of the Pahalgam attack, Gandhi’s visit to Kashmir reflects his concern for the victims and his commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and has further intensified political and diplomatic tensions in the region.