Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 12: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has pleaded not guilty in a defamation case concerning his remarks about Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The plea was entered on Friday before Judicial Magistrate (First Class) and Special Judge for MP/MLA cases, Amol Sriram Shinde, at the Pune District Court.
Rahul Gandhi did not appear in person. His lawyer, Advocate Milind Pawar, was present in court and confirmed that Gandhi had received all relevant documents. When the court asked whether the Congress leader wished to plead guilty, Pawar stated on his behalf, “No. I do not plead guilty.”
The defamation complaint was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of V.D. Savarkar, who alleged that Gandhi made defamatory remarks about the freedom fighter during an Overseas Congress event in London on March 5, 2023. The statements, which were circulated widely on social media, allegedly harmed Savarkar’s reputation and caused mental distress to his family.
Judge Shinde read out the charges under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. With the plea now officially recorded, the court has scheduled July 29 to begin recording evidence and address other pending applications related to the case.
The case stems from Rahul Gandhi’s comments during a 2023 UK event, where he allegedly targeted Savarkar with false and derogatory statements. Following the event, Satyaki Savarkar filed a complaint in April 2023, accusing Gandhi of deliberately attempting to tarnish the legacy of his granduncle.