Varanasi Court Accepts Case Against Rahul Gandhi Over Controversial Remarks

A court in Varanasi has admitted a case against opposition leader and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for remarks he made about Sikhs during a visit to the United States. The decision, made on Monday, follows a petition from Nageshwar Mishra, a former village head of Tilmapur Sarnath, who claims that Gandhi’s comments were inflammatory and could incite unrest.

The case was accepted by Special Sessions Judge Yajurveda Vikram Singh, who overruled a prior dismissal by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) on November 28, 2024. According to Assistant District Government Counsel Vinay Kumar Singh, the court concluded its discussions on a pending monitoring application and is set to hear arguments regarding Gandhi’s alleged statements.

In September 2024, during a speech in the U.S., Gandhi expressed concerns about the atmosphere for Sikhs in India, suggesting it was not conducive. Mishra’s petition, initially dismissed by the ACJM, argued that Gandhi’s statements constituted a conspiracy to incite civil discord. Following the dismissal, Mishra pursued a revision petition in the sessions court, challenging the lower court’s ruling.

During the recent hearing, Gandhi’s legal team filed an objection aimed at having the case dismissed, while Mishra’s representatives countered with their own arguments. The matter has since gained attention, with the sessions court now tasked with determining the validity of the claims against Gandhi.

Mishra’s lawsuit alleges that Gandhi’s comments could lead to significant social unrest. His original petition was filed in 2024, accusing Gandhi of stating that Sikhs in India feel insecure. With the case now moving forward, the implications of Gandhi’s remarks will be scrutinized, particularly in the context of India’s diverse social fabric and political landscape.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and political analysts will be watching closely to see how this case impacts Gandhi’s political career and the broader discourse surrounding communal relations in India.