Rahul Gandhi Pleads Not Guilty in Savarkar Defamation Case; Trial to Begin

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has formally pleaded not guilty in a criminal defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar, grand-nephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, over remarks made during a 2023 London speech.

The plea was recorded before Judicial Magistrate Amol Shinde at the Pune District Court through Gandhi’s counsel, Milind Pawar.

The case relates to Gandhi’s 2023 London speech, where he allegedly claimed Savarkar took pleasure in assaulting a Muslim man, remarks Satyaki Savarkar claims are false and defamatory.

The trial will proceed under summons trial procedure, which allows for more extensive evidence. Gandhi maintains that his comments were based on historical records. The complaint seeks punishment under IPC Section 500 and compensation under CrPC Section 357.