'Irresponsible and contemptuous': Rahul Gandhi asked to explain himself in court

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-09-11 07:12:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-11 10:50:17

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The controversial remark made by Rahul Gandhi about Veer Savarkar nearly three years ago has not faded, and the leader's grandnephew has decided to take legal action. On Tuesday, May 8, Savarkar's grandnephew, Shamrao Enginne, filed a complaint in a Pune court, asking for an affidavit and personal countersignature on every filing in the defamation case.

In 2019, Rahul Gandhi had posted a tweet questioning the Hindutva icon's credentials as a patriot, calling him "mercenary" and someone who had written to the British begging to be released from prison. Gandhi had alleged that Savarkar wrote a letter to the British during his 50-year incarceration (1908-1937) in the Andamans and asked for mercy because he was tortured and urged the government to withdraw the honour bestowed upon him.

Enginne, a Mumbai-based businessman and a former BJP MLA, filed the criminal defamation complaint against the Congress leader in February 2019, seeking an apology and Rs. 100 crore in damages. He subsequently filed a plea to permit summons through WhatsApp or email, since the earlier summons sent by registered post had remained undelivered.

Enginne's lawyer, Nilesh Navalakha, informed the court that Gandhi had failed to appear even though the summons were served through electronic communication and publications in the media.

"We don't know if he (Gandhi) is responsible enough to handle these matters. He should explain why he made irresponsible comments against such a great personality as Veer Savarkar and hurt the sentiments of crores of people," Navalakha told the court.

He added that Gandhi's statement had caused "irreparable damage to the reputation and goodwill of Veer Savarkar".

The matter will be heard again on July 11.

As a historical figure who remains controversial for some, Savarkar's legacy and place in India's history has been long debated. This legal complaint might be just one of many episodes that ensure his name stays in the public eye.

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