Missing Digital Proof: Rahul Gandhi Moves Pune Court for Contempt Action in Savarkar Defamation Case
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Pune 29, July, 2025- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has filed a petition before the special MP/MLA court in Pune, urging the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against Satyaki Savarkar, the complainant in an ongoing criminal defamation case concerning Gandhi’s remarks about Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
In the latest development in the case, Gandhi, through his counsel Milind Dattatraya Pawar, contended that Satyaki Savarkar—grandnephew of Vinayak Savarkar—has wilfully disobeyed the court’s earlier directive. The directive required the complainant to furnish a copy of the original CD and other electronic records on which his defamation complaint is based. Gandhi’s legal team argued that the complainant’s failure to comply amounts to contempt of court.
“Complainant has filed one CD before this Hon’ble Court; however, instead of supplying the said CD to the defence, the complainant, on 09/05/2025, handed over a pen drive, which is taken on record at Exh-57 and 58. It is submitted that the said pen drive is found to be corrupted and is neither accessible nor readable on any electronic device available with the defence. This has caused serious prejudice to the accused’s right to effectively prepare and conduct his defence. The said act of the complainant reflects irresponsibility and arrogance, and it is most respectfully submitted that a judicial note of the same be taken.”
In the petition, Gandhi alleged that Satya Ki Savarkar is pursuing a personal or ideological agenda and is misusing the judicial process. The Congress MP claimed that the complainant has resorted to levelling false accusations, adopting unethical legal tactics, and attempting to manipulate the court’s proceedings to suit his political interests.
“His repeated non-compliance with the lawful directions of this Hon’ble Court, along with the use of pressure tactics and overt disrespect toward the judicial process, reflects a deliberate attempt to misuse the process of law and demonstrates a clear disregard for the authority of this Hon’ble Court. The complainant has consistently failed to show due respect to the Court’s orders and continues to act arbitrarily, even within the courtroom. Such behaviour is indicative of the complainant’s overall conduct and credibility, which, it is most respectfully submitted, merits serious judicial scrutiny and consideration.”
Gandhi has described the case as part of a broader pattern of political vendetta and targeted harassment. He argued that the prosecution is not being conducted in good faith and that he is being subjected to undue legal pressure for expressing his views.
Following the submission of Gandhi’s plea, Special Judge Amol Shinde directed the complainant to file a formal reply by August 13. The court is expected to pass an order on the application on that date.
Background of the Defamation Case
The original defamation complaint, filed by Satyaki Savarkar, accuses Rahul Gandhi of making repeated derogatory and unsubstantiated statements against Vinayak Savarkar over the years. One of the key incidents cited in the complaint is a speech delivered by Gandhi on March 5, 2023, during an address to the Overseas Congress in the United Kingdom.
According to the complainant, Gandhi allegedly made unfounded and defamatory remarks against Savarkar during the London event. The complaint claims that Gandhi falsely accused Savarkar of having written a book in which he and his associates purportedly assaulted a Muslim man and derived pleasure from the act. Satyaki Savarkar has asserted that no such account exists in any of Savarkar’s published works and has labelled the accusation as entirely fabricated.
The complaint further claims that although the allegedly defamatory speech was delivered abroad, its impact was felt in India, particularly in Pune, as the video of the speech was widely circulated through media reports and social media platforms. The complainant stated that this caused significant mental distress to him and his family and damaged the reputation of the late Savarkar.
“Certain individuals and groups many of whom have criminal backgrounds and lack formal education are aligned with ideologies that are fundamentally opposed to the constitutional values of secularism and democracy, particularly those affiliated with the RSS and the Hindutva ideology. These elements are misusing the judicial process by filing false and frivolous cases in various courts across the country with the sole intent of targeting Shri Rahul Gandhi. Their aim is not the pursuit of justice but to divert and hinder him from discharging his public duties and responsibilities. Such actions reflect a blatant disregard for the rule of law and judicial propriety. And therefore, the complainant is not obeying the orders of this Hon’ble court.”
In support of his claims, Satyaki Savarkar has submitted several news clippings and a YouTube link featuring Gandhi’s speech as evidence.
Legal Relief Sought
Satyaki Savarkar has urged the court to prosecute Rahul Gandhi under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to punishment for defamation. He has also requested that maximum compensation be imposed under Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows courts to order compensation for the victim of a crime.
With Rahul Gandhi now seeking contempt proceedings against the complainant, the case is poised to witness further legal developments in the coming weeks.
