Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 25: The Supreme Court on Friday extended the stay on a trial court summons issued to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his controversial remarks against freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The apex court granted additional time for the complainant to file a counter-affidavit, adjourning the case for four more weeks.

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan reiterated its earlier observations, cautioning Gandhi to refrain from making further derogatory statements against India’s freedom fighters, especially those held in high esteem in various parts of the country.

“We will not allow anyone to make statements against our freedom fighters. Next someone will say Mahatma Gandhi was a 'servant to the British',” the court had previously remarked, expressing serious concern over the impact of such statements.

The case stems from Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, in which he referred to Savarkar as a "British pensioner" and "British servant." A local court in Lucknow had issued summons in response to a defamation complaint filed in the matter.

The Uttar Pradesh government, in its counter-affidavit, opposed Gandhi’s plea to quash the summons, asserting that there was adequate material, including findings under Section 202 of the CrPC, to proceed with the case. The affidavit alleged that Gandhi’s remarks were deliberately aimed at creating animosity and hurt public sentiments.

During an earlier hearing in April, the Supreme Court had granted interim relief to the Congress MP while simultaneously reminding him that his grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had once praised Savarkar.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Congress leader remains under judicial scrutiny, with the top court expected to hear the matter again after four weeks.