Court Summons Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Defamation of Savarkar

A court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has issued a summons to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case over alleged derogatory remarks against Hindutva figure Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The court cited prima facie evidence of defamation, prompting Gandhi to appear either personally or through legal representation on an undisclosed future date.

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district has summoned Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case concerning his alleged derogatory remarks against Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Deepali Parimal Kaduskar issued the summons on September 27, noting that Gandhi's statements prima facie appear defamatory. Gandhi must appear personally or through a legal representative on the next court date, which is yet to be determined.

The complainant, an NGO director, claims Gandhi harmed Savarkar's reputation through statements and visual representations in a press conference and speech in November 2022. The court believes there are sufficient grounds to proceed under IPC sections 499 and 504.

(With inputs from agencies.)