The Supreme Court of India has taken a stern stance against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for his controversial remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. During a hearing, the apex court described Gandhi’s comments as “irresponsible” and emphasized that freedom fighters should not be mocked, regardless of political differences. While the court stayed the criminal proceedings against him, it also issued a cautionary note about the nature of public statements made by political figures.

The controversy stems from a speech Gandhi made during his Bharat Jodo Yatra on November 17, 2022, at a rally in Maharashtra’s Akola district. At the time, he referred to Savarkar as a “British servant” who allegedly received a pension from the colonial government. These remarks led to a defamation case being filed by advocate Nripendra Pandey, who accused Gandhi of intentionally insulting the legacy of Savarkar.

Gandhi later challenged the summons issued in this defamation case by approaching the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court declined to quash the proceedings. A bench consisting of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan questioned Gandhi’s motives behind such remarks and issued a warning about making provocative statements in the future.

The court went on to pose a sharp rhetorical question to Gandhi’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi: “Does your client know even Mahatma Gandhi used the phrase ‘your faithful servant’? Does he know his grandmother also sent a letter to the freedom fighter?” The bench further added, “You are a political leader. Why should you make comments like this? Don’t do this. If the intention wasn’t to provoke, then why make such statements?”

Despite staying the criminal proceedings, the Supreme Court has issued notices to both the complainant and the Uttar Pradesh government to respond to Gandhi’s plea. The charges in the case include sections related to promoting enmity between classes and public mischief.