Savarkar Defamation Case: Rahul Gandhi Moves Pune Court Seeking Contempt Action Against Complainant For Not Providing Electronic Evidence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached a special MP/MLA Court in Pune seeking contempt of court proceedings against the complainant Satyaki Savarkar in the ongoing defamation case against him for his allegedly defamatory statements about right-wing leader Vinayak Savarkar.

Gandhi, through his lawyer Milind Pawar has contended that Satyaki, the grand nephew of Savarkar, has failed to abide by the court's 'clear direction' to hand over a copy of the original CD and other electronic material, he has relied on, to pursue his criminal defamation against the Congress parliamentarian. 

"The complainant has filed one CD before the Court; however, instead of supplying the said CD to the defence, the complainant, on May 9, 2025, handed over a pen drive, which is taken on record. It is submitted that the said pen drive is found to be corrupted and is neither accessible nor readable on any electronic device available with the defence. This has caused serious prejudice to the accused's right to effectively prepare and conduct his defence. The said act of the complainant reflects irresponsibility and arrogance, and it is most respectfully submitted that a judicial note of the same be taken," the application reads. 

In his plea, Gandhi has argued that Satyaki in pursuit of his personal or ideological objectives, appears to be willing to resort to improper means, including levelling false allegations, employing foul tactics, and manipulating judicial proceedings.

"His repeated non-compliance with the lawful directions of this Court, along with the use of pressure tactics and overt disrespect toward the judicial process, reflects a deliberate attempt to misuse the process of law and demonstrates a clear disregard for the authority of this Court. The complainant has consistently failed to show due respect to the Court's orders and continues to act arbitrarily, even within the courtroom. Such behaviour is indicative of the complainant's overall conduct and credibility, which, it is most respectfully submitted, merits serious judicial scrutiny and consideration," the application states. 

According to Gandhi, the instant case appears to be part of a larger pattern of "political vendetta and systematic harassment."

"Certain individuals and groups many of whom have criminal backgrounds and lack formal education are aligned with ideologies that are fundamentally opposed to the constitutional values of secularism and democracy, particularly those affiliated with the RSS and the Hindutva ideology. These elements are misusing the judicial process by filing false and frivolous cases in various courts across the country with the sole intent of targeting Rahul Gandhi. Their aim is not the pursuit of justice but to divert and hinder him from discharging his public duties and responsibilities. Such actions reflect a blatant disregard for the rule of law and judicial propriety. And therefore the complainant is not obeying the orders of this court," the plea reads. 

With this application being filed, Special Judge Amol Shinde has ordered Satyaki to file his reply on August 13, when the court is likely to pass some order on the instant plea. 

To recap, the defamation complaint asserts that Gandhi has repeatedly defamed Savarkar on various occasions over the years. One specific incident highlighted was of March 5, 2023, when Gandhi addressed the Overseas Congress in the United Kingdom.

The complainant - Satyaki Savarkar has claimed that Gandhi made intentionally wild allegations against Savarkar, knowing them to be untrue, with the intention of harming Savarkar's reputation and causing mental agony to the complainant and his family. The complaint states that the defamatory speech was delivered in England, but its impact was felt in Pune as it was published and circulated throughout India.

Satyaki, in his complaint, has submitted several news reports and a YouTube link to a video of Gandhi's speech in London as evidence. He has claimed that Gandhi falsely accused Savarkar of writing a book in which he described that he and his friends assaulted a Muslim man and derived some pleasure by it. This fact, the complaint contends, Savarkar never wrote in any book and such an incident never happened.

Satyaki argued that Gandhi made these false, malicious, and wild allegations with the specific objective of defaming Savarkar and harming his reputation.

The criminal defamation application filed by Satyaki demands maximum punishment for Gandhi under Section 500 (Punishment for defamation) of the IPC and seeks imposition of maximum compensation as per Section 357 (Order to pay compensation) of the CrPC.

Appearance:

Advocate Milind Pawar appeared for Gandhi.

Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar represented Savarkar.