Pune court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in defamation case linked to Savarkar remarks

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared virtually before a Pune court in a defamation case for allegedly defaming Vinayak Savarkar in a UK speech. The court granted him bail on a ₹25,000 surety, with ex-MLA Mohan Joshi as surety.

Judge Amol Shinde rejected the complainant’s applications for contempt of court, a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW), and a permanent injunction preventing Gandhi from commenting on Savarkar, citing freedom of speech.

Gandhi was granted permanent exemption from court appearances, except during the judgment.

The complaint alleges repeated defamation, including false claims in a book, seeking punishment under IPC Section 500 and compensation under CrPC Section 357.