The Supreme Court on Monday, August 4, stayed defamation proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with his alleged remarks on the India-China border situation.
The case, filed in a Varanasi court, pertains to Gandhi’s comments made during a 2022 speech, in which he reportedly accused the central government of “surrendering Indian territory” to China. The complainant alleged the statement was defamatory and undermined national interest.
A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud observed that the remarks, made in the course of political discourse, did not warrant criminal defamation proceedings. The court emphasised the need to safeguard free speech, particularly in the context of political expression.
“Why do you have to say this in media or social media posts? Were you there? How did you get to know that 2,000 square kilometres has been captured?” the bench asked Gandhi’s lawyer, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
It added, “How do you get to know that 2000 sq km was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across border… can you say all this. Why can’t you ask the question in parliament?”
With the stay now in effect, further proceedings in the trial court have been halted until further notice. The Supreme Court also issued notice to the complainant, seeking a response within four weeks.
This marks another legal reprieve for the Congress MP, who has faced multiple defamation cases in recent years over his critical statements against the ruling government and its leadership.
