Defamation Case over Savarkar: Nashik Court Grants Bail to Rahul Gandhi
A separate defamation case on similar grounds has also been filed in Pune by Savarkar's grandnephew;
A Nashik court on Thursday granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a defamation case linked to his remarks about Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022.
Appearing virtually before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate R.C. Narwadia, Gandhi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court subsequently granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs. 15,000.
The complaint was filed by Nashik-based social worker Devendra Bhutada, director of a local NGO.
As per the complaint, Gandhi’s comments, made both during press interaction and a public speech as part of his yatra in November 2022, defamed Savarkar and injured public sentiment.
“Savarkar prayed for release with folded hands and later promised to work for the British government", the alleged statement says.
A criminal complaint was lodged under Sections 500 (criminal defamation) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Penal Code.
Advocate Manoj Pingle, appearing for the complainant, confirmed that the bail was granted after Gandhi's legal team made an application following his plea of not guilty.
The complaint also emphasized that the alleged remarks attempted to tarnish the legacy of Swatantryaveer Savarkar and belittled his contributions to the freedom movement and to Indian society more broadly.
This is not the only legal proceeding Gandhi is facing in relation to his remarks on Savarkar - A separate defamation case on similar grounds has also been filed in Pune by Savarkar's grandnephew.
Case Title: Devendra Bhutada v. Rahul Gandhi
Order Date: July 24, 2025
Bench: ACJM R.C. Narwadia