Supreme Court Critiques Rahul Gandhi Over Comments on Chinese Incursions

Supreme Court's Strong Response

On Monday, the Supreme Court expressed disapproval towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding his statements about supposed Chinese incursions into Indian territory, asserting that a genuine Indian would refrain from making such remarks.

A panel comprising Justices Dipakar Datta and AG Masih made these observations while addressing Gandhi's petition aimed at dismissing defamation proceedings against him. The court decided to pause the legal proceedings for a duration of three weeks.

The justices questioned the opposition leader on how he substantiated his claims that 2,000 square kilometers of Indian land had been seized. Justice Datta inquired, “Were you present? Do you possess any credible evidence? Why do you make these assertions without any basis? If you were a true Indian, such statements would not be made.”

In defense, Gandhi's attorney, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that a “true Indian” could also express concerns about the reported beating and deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, referencing the violent encounters between Indian and Chinese forces on June 15-16, 2020, in the Galwan Valley.

Justice Datta further questioned why Gandhi chose to voice these allegations on social media rather than addressing them in Parliament.

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant, requesting their responses within three weeks while temporarily suspending any further legal actions.

This case relates to comments made by Gandhi on December 16, 2022, regarding a confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

On December 9, 2022, both sides engaged in a clash using melee weapons, resulting in injuries on both sides.

Gandhi's remarks were delivered during the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra, a campaign from Kanyakumari to Kashmir opposing the divisive policies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

A former director of the Border Roads Organisation, Uday Shankar Srivastava, lodged a defamation complaint against Gandhi, claiming that the Congress leader's comments were disparaging and harmed the reputation of the Indian Army.

Gandhi sought intervention from the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court declined to dismiss the proceedings in May.