The Supreme Court on Thursday granted a stay on the proceedings initiated by a Lucknow court against Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his controversial remarks on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The remarks, made during the 2022 Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra, had triggered political uproar, especially in the state where Savarkar is regarded with deep respect.

The case traces back to a rally in Akola district, where Gandhi reportedly described Savarkar as “a servant of the British” and alleged that he had accepted a pension from them. These statements led to the filing of a criminal complaint by a local lawyer in Lucknow, accusing Gandhi of promoting enmity under Sections 153(A) and 505 of the Indian Penal Code.

The lower court subsequently issued a summons against the Congress MP. Gandhi moved the Allahabad High Court seeking to quash the summons, but the plea was dismissed on April 4, with the bench advising him to seek remedy by filing a revision plea in the sessions court.

Gandhi then escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which on Thursday provided temporary relief by staying the lower court's proceedings. However, the apex court did not refrain from offering a stern caution to Gandhi. The bench observed that public figures must exercise restraint and responsibility while making statements, especially concerning freedom fighters who hold a place of reverence in many parts of the country.