Court Dismisses Petition Against Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks on Lord Ram
A Varanasi court has dismissed a petition against Rahul Gandhi, who faced backlash for allegedly calling Lord Ram a mythical character during a speech at Brown University. The court ruled the petition as non-maintainable, emphasizing the need for prior government approval in such cases. Advocate Harishankar Pandey, who filed the complaint, plans to seek permission from the district magistrate to refile. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political discourse and religious sentiments in India, as Gandhi's remarks were labeled as hate speech by the complainant. This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and their statements regarding religious figures.
May 28, 2025, 09:56 IST
Court's Decision on the Petition
A court in Varanasi has rejected a petition seeking to summon opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments made during a speech at Brown University in April, where he allegedly referred to Lord Ram as a mythical character. The petition, filed by advocate Harishankar Pandey, was dismissed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neeraj Kumar Tripathi, who deemed it "non-maintainable." The court stated that under the provisions of the Indian Citizen Security Code (BNSS) 2023, prior permission from the central or state government or the district magistrate is mandatory in such cases.
Details of the Court's Ruling
What the Court Stated
Advocate Harishankar Pandey, who filed the petition against Rahul Gandhi, noted that the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neeraj Kumar Tripathi dismissed the petition, labeling it as "non-maintainable." The court emphasized that, according to the provisions of the Indian Citizen Security Code (BNSS) 2023, prior approval from the central or state government or the district magistrate is essential in such matters. The lawyer mentioned that he would seek permission from the district magistrate and refile the petition.
Background of the Case
What Sparked the Complaint?
The complaint was lodged by advocate Harishankar Pandey on May 12, alleging that during his speech at Brown University, Rahul Gandhi described Lord Ram as a "mythical and fictional character." Pandey urged the court to direct the registration of an FIR under the relevant sections of the law.
Allegations of Hate Speech
He categorized Gandhi's remarks as 'hate speech,' claiming they deeply hurt the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma.
The criminal complaint stated, "MP Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress have become habitual offenders of such acts. The Honorable Supreme Court reprimanded Mr. Rahul Gandhi (Member of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha) and his party in a case related to the great freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. However, these individuals refuse to amend their ways. They continue to make baseless and offensive comments about the avatars and great symbols of Sanatan Dharma, disrespecting Hindus who follow it. By spreading hate speech, they have committed serious criminal offenses."
Rahul Gandhi's Response
What Did Rahul Gandhi Say?
During a discussion at a U.S. university last month, Gandhi rejected the BJP's definition of Hinduism, stating that all great Indian social reformers and political thinkers—Jyotirao Phule, B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and even Guru Nanak, Basava, and Buddha—shared the same message: "Take everyone along, truth and non-violence."
He remarked, "For me, this is the foundation of Indian tradition and history. I do not know of anyone we consider great who does not embody this. I cannot think of a single person. All are mythical characters. Lord Ram was of a time when he was forgiving and compassionate."