Lucknow court summons Rahul Gandhi over remarks against Savarkar

New Delhi: A local court in Lucknow has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear on January 10, 2025, over allegations of insulting freedom fighter Damodar Savarkar.

The summons was issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Alok Verma in response to a criminal complaint filed by local advocate Nripendra Pandey. Gandhi is accused of promoting enmity and disturbing societal harmony through his remarks about Savarkar.

The complaint cites Gandhi’s statements during a press conference in Maharashtra on December 17, 2022, held as part of his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra.’ Gandhi allegedly referred to Savarkar as a “servant” who received a pension from the British, a claim Pandey argues was intended to incite unrest and hatred.

The court directed Gandhi to appear as an accused in the case on the scheduled date. Further proceedings are awaited.