In the Savarkar defamation case, a major development has taken place. A Special MP/MLA Court in Pune has allowed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to get copies of two important books written by VD Savarkar. These books have been relied upon as evidence by the complainant, Satyaki Savarkar, who is Savarkar’s grandnephew.
Special Judge Amol Shinde granted Gandhi’s application, filed through his lawyer Milind Pawar. The two books are "Majhi Janmathep" (My Life Sentence) and "Hindutva." These works are crucial to the case, and Gandhi requested copies to prepare his defense.
Confirming the court’s decision, advocate Milind Pawar said to Live Law, "We had asked for the copies of the two books along with other material like newspaper cuttings and the video of the speech on which the complainant based his allegations. The court allowed our application on Friday."
Read Also:- Supreme Court Directs Allahabad HC to Expedite Landlord-Tenant Cases Where Trial Is Stayed
According to Pawar, the first book, Majhi Janmathep, describes Savarkar’s time in the Andaman prison and how he was treated there.
"The second book talks about Savarkar’s idea of dividing the nation into two countries based on religion, which he wrote in 1939," Pawar explained.
Following the court’s order, complainant Satyaki Savarkar must now provide these two books and other related material to Gandhi's legal team. After reviewing the documents, Gandhi's side has been instructed to file a response in the matter.
The court has adjourned the next hearing to May 9.
Read Also:- Supreme Court: Dismissal Of Suit For Default Does Not Bar Filing Fresh Suit On Same Cause Of Action
Background of the Case:
The defamation complaint filed by Satyaki Savarkar accuses Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly making false and damaging statements about VD Savarkar. One key incident mentioned was Gandhi’s speech on March 5, 2023, when he addressed the Overseas Congress in the United Kingdom.
The complaint says, "Gandhi intentionally made false allegations against Savarkar, knowing them to be untrue, with the aim of harming Savarkar’s reputation and causing mental distress to me and my family."
Read Also:- FIRs Can Continue Even If Loan Fraud Label Is Set Aside: Supreme Court Clarifies
Satyaki Savarkar provided several news reports and a YouTube video link of Gandhi’s London speech as evidence. He claimed that Gandhi wrongly accused Savarkar of writing about beating a Muslim person — an event which, according to Satyaki, never happened.
The complaint stresses that although Gandhi’s speech was delivered in England, its defamatory effects were felt in Pune and across India because it was widely published and circulated.
"Gandhi made these false, malicious, and wild statements with a clear intention to defame Savarkar and damage his image," Satyaki alleged.
Read Also:- P&H High Court Questions Punjab's Power to Ban Hybrid Paddy Seeds
In his criminal complaint, Satyaki has sought the maximum punishment for Gandhi under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with defamation. He has also asked for maximum compensation under Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Earlier, the Special Court had allowed Gandhi’s request to change the nature of the trial from a summary trial to a summons trial. This change enables Gandhi to bring historical documents and evidence onto the record for his defense.
Related Case :- Supreme Court Rebukes Rahul Gandhi Over Savarkar Remark, Pauses Defamation Case With Strict Warning
