Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has been granted permanent exemption from attending daily hearings in a defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The case dates back to alleged defamatory remarks made by Gandhi during a speech in London in 2023.
The special court in Pune issued an order stating that Gandhi’s extensive travel due to his Z+ security cover and official responsibilities as Leader of Opposition justifies his exemption from personal appearance in the case. However, he must accept that evidence will be recorded in his absence and cannot dispute his identity during the trial.
Gandhi’s lawyer had requested the case be converted to a summons trial for a more comprehensive examination of the legal and factual issues involved. The court has asked for a written response from Satyaki Savarkar’s lawyer before the next hearing on February 25.
Satyaki Savarkar had filed the defamation complaint after watching a video of Gandhi’s speech, claiming the remarks against Vinayak Savarkar were defamatory. The case, initially heard in a JMFC court, was later transferred to a special court for MPs and MLAs in 2024.
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