Defamation Case: Rahul Gandhi Faces Fine for Skipping Court Hearings

A court in Uttar Pradesh has imposed a ₹200 fine on senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for repeatedly failing to appear for hearings in a defamation case. The court has directed him to be present for the final hearing on April 14, warning of severe consequences if he fails to comply.

The case stems from remarks made by Rahul Gandhi during a press conference in Maharashtra three years ago, where he allegedly insulted freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Veer Savarkar. Gandhi reportedly stated that Savarkar was a "British servant" who even received a pension from them. In response, a petitioner filed a case in the Uttar Pradesh court, arguing that these comments were offensive and incited hatred.

After reviewing the petition, the court imposed the fine on Rahul Gandhi. His lawyer, Pranshu Agarwal, represented him in court and argued that Gandhi, being a leader of the opposition, had a busy schedule and sought an exemption from personal appearance. However, the court rejected the request due to his repeated absences and imposed the penalty.