Rahul Gandhi Granted Permanent Exemption in Pune Defamation Case

Rahul Gandhi has been permanently exempted from appearing in a defamation case in Pune. The case, filed by Satyaki Savarkar, grandson of Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, concerns Gandhi's remarks in a 2023 London speech. The court took into account Gandhi's security and Leader of Opposition obligations.

A Pune court has granted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi permanent exemption from appearing in a defamation case concerning remarks he allegedly made about Hindutva figure V D Savarkar. Citing Gandhi's role as Leader of Opposition and high-level security demands, the court made the decision public on Tuesday.

The case was initiated following Gandhi's 2023 speech in London, which reportedly involved statements on V D Savarkar that were deemed defamatory. Satyaki Savarkar, the complainant and a relative of the ideologue, has contested Gandhi's claims about historical writings by his grandfather.

In court, the defence argued the complexity of organizing security and Gandhi's parliamentary obligations as reasons for exemption. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 25, with Gandhi now excused from appearing in person due to logistical and safety concerns.