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Key Points

The Allahabad High Court has reserved its verdict on Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging a Varanasi court order for an FIR against him. The case stems from Gandhi's remarks during a US visit about whether Sikhs feel safe in India. Gandhi's legal team argues his comments were taken out of context from the full speech. The High Court has temporarily halted further proceedings in the Varanasi court until it delivers its judgment.

Key Points: Allahabad HC Reserves Verdict on Rahul Gandhi Sikh Remarks Plea

  • Allahabad HC halts Varanasi court proceedings until verdict delivered
  • Case involves Rahul Gandhi's US remarks about Sikh safety in India
  • Petitioner alleges Gandhi's comments disturbed communal harmony
  • Gandhi's counsel argues remarks taken out of context from full speech
2 min read

Allahabad HC reserves order on Rahul Gandhi's plea in Sikh remarks case

Allahabad High Court reserves order on Rahul Gandhi's challenge to FIR over US remarks about Sikh community safety in India. Varanasi court proceedings halted.

"One cannot pick a single sentence from an entire speech to draw such a conclusion - Rahul Gandhi's Counsel"

Prayagraj, Sep 3

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, challenging a Varanasi court’s order directing registration of an FIR against him over his alleged remarks on the Sikh community.

The High Court also directed the Varanasi court not to proceed further in the matter until the High Court gives its judgment.

The case originated after one Nageshwar Mishra approached a magistrate's court in Varanasi seeking an FIR against Rahul Gandhi.

Mishra alleged that Gandhi, during a visit to the United States in September 2024, made a “provocative statement” questioning whether Sikhs in India feel safe wearing turbans or visiting gurdwaras.

According to him, the statement was inflammatory and capable of disturbing communal harmony.

The magistrate court had initially dismissed Mishra’s plea, observing that since the alleged offence took place outside India, sanction from the central government was necessary before proceeding.

However, Mishra challenged the dismissal before the Sessions Court, which set aside the magistrate’s order and directed the lower court to hear the matter afresh.

The Sessions Court held that the magistrate erred in rejecting the plea merely on the ground of the absence of a sanction.

Challenging this order, Rahul Gandhi approached the Allahabad High Court. His counsel argued that Gandhi’s remarks had been taken out of context.

He submitted that Gandhi had not called upon the Sikh community to rise in rebellion or to wage war against the government.

“One cannot pick a single sentence from an entire speech to draw such a conclusion. The speech as a whole must be considered to understand the intent,” the counsel said.

On the other hand, counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government contended that Gandhi, being the Leader of Opposition, occupies a position of responsibility and his words carry weight both within and outside India.

“When he speaks on foreign soil, it is projected as the collective voice of the opposition. His remarks were provocative and divisive,” the state’s counsel submitted.

The controversy arose from Gandhi’s address in the US last year, where he reportedly said that the atmosphere in India was not conducive for Sikhs and that they faced difficulties in practising their faith openly.

The High Court, after hearing both sides, reserved its order on the plea.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Sikh, I appreciate that someone is speaking about our concerns. But foreign soil might not be the right platform. We need dialogue within our country, not international commentary. 🙏
M
Michael C
The court is absolutely right to consider the entire speech context. Selective quoting of politicians has become a dangerous trend in our democracy. Hope the HC gives a balanced judgment.
S
Sneha F
Leaders should be more responsible with their words, especially when speaking abroad. But turning every statement into a legal battle is not the solution either. We need maturity in politics.
A
Aman W
The UP government's argument makes sense - opposition leaders represent India abroad. But at the same time, we cannot criminalize political speech. Tough balance for the court to strike.
K
Kavya N
Instead of fighting in courts, our leaders should focus on actual issues facing the Sikh community. Employment, education, and security are what matter, not political statements. 🇮🇳

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