Pune Court Dismisses Rahul Gandhi's Plea for Savarkar Family Information
A Pune court dismissed a petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking information about the maternal lineage of Savarkar's grandson, Satyaki Savarkar. The petition was related to a defamation case stemming from a speech Gandhi delivered in London in March 2023. Satyaki Savarkar filed the defamation complaint, alleging that Gandhi made false accusations against Savarkar.
Case Focuses on Speech, Not Family Lineage
The court clarified that the case centers on Rahul Gandhi's speech, not Satyaki Savarkar's family history. Judicial Magistrate Amol Shinde stated that the information about the maternal lineage sought by Gandhi's petition is irrelevant to the case. He emphasized that the dispute revolves primarily around the facts and allegations within the speech, not the Savarkar family's ethnic or familial history.
Rahul Gandhi's Plea and the Court's Response
Gandhi's lawyer argued that while the complainant, Satyaki Savarkar, had provided information about his paternal lineage, the absence of maternal lineage information was crucial for a fair hearing. The court rejected this argument, stating that such information is not relevant to the case. The court also noted that demanding such additional information could unnecessarily prolong the proceedings.
Plea to Cancel Bail Also Rejected
Savarkar also sought the cancellation of Rahul Gandhi's bail, alleging that Gandhi was intentionally delaying the proceedings and not presenting his arguments. However, the court dismissed this plea as well. The court stated that Rahul Gandhi has been granted permanent exemption from personal appearance and there is no evidence to suggest he is intentionally delaying the case.
