A court in Lucknow has imposed a Rs 200 fine on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for failing to appear in a defamation case related to his remarks on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a key figure in India's independence movement. The case, dating back to November 2022, accuses Gandhi of making derogatory remarks about Savarkar during a rally in Akola, Maharashtra, as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra campaign.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Alok Verma had earlier directed Gandhi to appear on March 5, 2025, after finding prima facie evidence suggesting that his remarks could promote enmity and disturb public harmony. Gandhi’s legal team filed a plea seeking exemption from personal appearance, citing official commitments, including meetings with foreign dignitaries. However, the court rejected the request, stating that sufficient notice had been provided. As a result, a Rs 200 cost was imposed, payable to the complainant’s lawyer. The next hearing is scheduled for April 14.

What is the Savarkar Defamation Case?: The case originates from a speech delivered by Gandhi on November 17, 2022, during his nationwide Bharat Jodo Yatra, a campaign aimed at fostering unity. In his speech, Gandhi reportedly called Savarkar a British collaborator, alleging that he received a pension from the colonial government.

These remarks triggered strong reactions, prompting Advocate Nripendra Pandey to file a criminal complaint, arguing that Gandhi’s statements defamed Savarkar, caused social disharmony, and personally distressed him. Initially, in June 2023, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ambrish Kumar Srivastava dismissed the complaint. However, the sessions court later revived the case, directing the magistrate’s court to reconsider the allegations. This led to a summons being issued in December 2024, compelling Gandhi to appear in court.

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