Savarkar Remarks: UP Govt opposes Rahul Gandhi’s plea in Supreme Court, Alleges Intent to “Spread Hatred”

In an affidavit filed in response to a notice issued by the Supreme Court on April 24, the State has supported the April 4, 2025 decision of the Allahabad High Court declining to quash the summons issued against Gandhi.

The matter is listed for hearing today before a bench led by Justice Dipankar Datta.

The UP government, in its affidavit backed complainant Advocate Nripendra Pandey’s contention that Gandhi’s remarks were intended to promote enmity among various groups and disturb public harmony.

“The petitioner made statements calling Vinayak Damodar Savarkar a British prisoner and British servant with intent to spread animosity and hatred. Pre-printed leaflets were distributes to the media, indicating deliberate defamation,” the affidavit states.

Reiterating its support for the High Court's decision, the State submitted that “the order passed by the Allahabad High Court is justified and legal, interference by this Court is not warranted.”

Rahul Gandhi had approached the apex court challenging the High Court’s refusal to quash the proceedings against him in the criminal defamation case filed over his alleged derogatory remarks against Savarkar. The complaint, filed in 2022, accuses the Congress leader of promoting disharmony through his public statements.

It is to be noted that on April 25, the Apex Court had issued notice and stayed the operation of the High Court order. The Bench had pulled up Gandhi for his alleged remarks, cautioning against making irresponsible statements about those who fought for India’s independence.