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Synopsis

A Lucknow court on Wednesday (March 5, 2025) imposed a fine of Rs 200 on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for failing to appear in a defamation case linked to his 2022 remarks on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Maharashtra during the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" press conference.

The court has now directed him to be present on the next hearing on April 14, warning of strict legal consequences, including a non-bailable warrant, if he fails to comply. 

The order was passed on Advocate Nripendra Pandey's application which essentially sought registration of an FIR against Gandhi and others. Although a court of Additional chief judicial magistrate had initially dismissed the application on June 14, 2023. However, Pandey challenged the decision by filing a revision petition in a sessions court, which in October 2024 overturned the dismissal and directed the ACJM court to reconsider the case and issue fresh orders.

In his application, Pandey stated that on 17 November 2022, when he was watching the news on television, he heard Gandhi saying that Savarkar, who received a pension from the Britishers, was their servant.

He alleged that Gandhi said so about Savarkar, who is considered a great revolutionary of nationalist ideology, under deliberate strategy and conspiracy.

He countered Gandhi's allegation stating: "Krantiveer Damodar Savarkar, the great hero of nationalist ideology, was an immortal hero in the history of independence, a fearless freedom fighter who endured the inhuman atrocities of the British to liberate Mother India from the slavery of the British". 

He alleged that Gandhi made the derogatory accusations etc. against Savarkar to insult and spread feelings of inferiority towards him.

Moreover, Pandey stated that although he complained about this matter to the head of Hazratganj Police Station and other senior officials, but not action was taken. 

Case Title: Nripendra Pandey v. Rahul Gandhi and Others