Pune: Rahul Gandhi’s Controversial Statement on Savarkar; Criminal Complaint Hearing Set for October 4 in ‘MP MLA’ Court

Pune, 24th September 2024: A criminal complaint filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his controversial statement about Swatantrya Veer Savarkar will be heard on 4th October in a newly established ‘MP MLA’ special court. The case will be presented before First Class Magistrate Amol Shinde, following a High Court directive to expedite criminal cases involving people’s representatives.

Chief District Judge Mahendra Mahajan directed the case against Gandhi to be heard in the special court. The complaint, filed by Satyaki Savarkar, grandson of Veer Savarkar, pertains to a defamation suit following Gandhi’s remarks during a speech in London. Gandhi has been asked to appear before the court to present his defense.

As per a High Court notification, all criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs, both current and former, will be tried in this special court. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling (Writ Petition (C) No. 699 of 2016) to ensure timely hearings of cases involving lawmakers.