Special MP-MLA Court in Pune, presided over by Judge Amol Shriram Shinde, heard arguments today in the defamation case filed against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
The case was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, over alleged defamatory remarks made by Gandhi in London.
The Case
During a speech in London, Rahul Gandhi had reportedly claimed that Savarkar once wrote in a book, "We once went out as friends, and some people were beating up a Muslim man. Watching this made us very happy."
Satyaki Savarkar denied that such a statement exists in any of Savarkar’s writings and that the claim amounts to defamation of the revered freedom fighter.
Today’s court proceedings revolved around a plea submitted by Rahul Gandhi’s advocate, Advocate Milind Dattatraya Pawar. Pawar requested the court to conduct the case under a "summons trial" procedure.
The defense argued that the case involves several historical events and facts, including Savarkar’s contribution to India's freedom struggle, his views on Muslims, his relationships with the British, and the books he authored. Given the complexity and significance of the historical context, the defense maintained that it must be allowed to conduct thorough cross-examinations and submit necessary documents, which would not be possible under a summary trial.
A summons trial, on the other hand, would allow the defense to present a detailed argument, cross-examine witnesses more extensively, and submit or request relevant documents from the government, thereby ensuring a fair and comprehensive hearing.
After hearing both sides, Judge Amol Shinde accepted Rahul Gandhi’s plea. The court has now ordered that all future hearings in this defamation case will proceed as a summons trial.
Furthermore, the defense pointed out that the complainant has not yet handed over crucial materials, including documents submitted to the court, the CD of Gandhi’s speech at the London Diaspora event, newspapers, books, and affidavits of witnesses. Advocate Pawar urged the court to direct the complainant to share these documents before the trial begins. The court has asked Satyaki Savarkar to submit his written response regarding this request.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 25, 2025.
