New Delhi, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Friday quashed criminal proceedings against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over remarks he made about Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar, holding that the prosecution could not proceed without the requisite sanction from the Uttar Pradesh government.
A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu allowed Gandhi’s plea after being informed that the mandatory government approval required for prosecution had not been obtained.
The court consequently set aside the summons issued to Gandhi by the lower court, bringing the proceedings arising from his remarks to an end.
The case originated from comments made by Gandhi during the Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra in 2022. In a public address, he referred to Savarkar as a “servant of the British” and alleged that the freedom fighter had received a pension from the British.
The remarks triggered controversy and led lawyer Nripendra Pandey to approach a lower court, alleging that Gandhi’s statements were defamatory and could promote disharmony.
The lower court had found a prima facie case and summoned Gandhi under Sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to promoting enmity between groups and statements conducing to public mischief, respectively.
During the proceedings before the Supreme Court, Gandhi’s side highlighted the absence of the required sanction from the Uttar Pradesh government for prosecuting him under the provisions invoked in the case.
Taking note of the procedural requirement and its non-compliance, the apex court quashed both the criminal proceedings and the summons issued against the Congress leader.
The ruling provides legal relief to Gandhi in a case arising from his political remarks on Savarkar.
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