Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s plea challenging a Varanasi court order regarding his alleged remarks on the Sikh community made during a programme in the United States in September 2024.
Justice Sameer Jain was hearing Gandhi’s plea, which sought to remand the matter back to the magistrate court to reconsider afresh whether an FIR should be registered.
Case Background
The controversy arose after Nageshwar Mishra of Varanasi filed an application before the magisterial court (dealing with MP/MLA cases) alleging that Gandhi’s remarks in the US suggested that the environment in India was “not good for Sikhs.”
Mishra claimed the comments were provocative and divisive, sparking protests, and sought registration of an FIR at Sarnath police station in Varanasi. When police declined, he approached the court.
On November 28, 2024, the magistrate court rejected his plea, stating that since the speech was made abroad, it was outside its jurisdiction.
Revision and High Court Challenge
The complainant then approached the special MP/MLA sessions court, which set aside the magistrate’s order and directed the case to be heard again. Rahul Gandhi challenged this revision order before the High Court.
Senior advocate Gopal Chaturvedi, representing Gandhi, argued that the complaint did not specify the date of the alleged speech, and thus lacked substance.
State’s Stand
Additional Advocate General Manish Goel contended that the High Court’s role was not to weigh evidence but to ensure due process. He argued that Gandhi’s foreign remarks against India warranted an investigation, especially since Gandhi himself admitted to making the utterances.
Court’s Decision
The High Court dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s plea, upholding the sessions court’s decision to remand the matter to the magistrate for fresh consideration.
This means the magisterial court in Varanasi will now re-examine whether an FIR should be registered against Gandhi over his alleged comments.