Rahul Gandhi: UP Court Issues Verdict, Imposes Fine

A court in Uttar Pradesh has given its verdict regarding Rahul Gandhi. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has been fined for his remarks on Veer Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi has been penalized ₹200. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate has also issued a warning and ordered him to appear in court by April 14. If he fails to do so, legal action may be taken against him.

What is the Case About?

Lawyer Nripendra Pandey filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi in 2022 under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The complaint alleged that on December 17, 2022, during a press conference in Akola, Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi referred to Veer Savarkar as a “servant of the British” and a “pension receiver.”

Nripendra Pandey claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s statement was made with the intention of spreading enmity and hatred in society. He further stated that pre-prepared pamphlets were also distributed among journalists during the press conference to reinforce the statement.

The court took the witnesses’ testimonies and statements seriously. As a result, a summons was issued against Rahul Gandhi. Later, the supervisory court referred the case back to the magistrate court for a fresh hearing.