Tue Nov 19 07:53:19 UTC 2024: ## Rahul Gandhi Summoned to Appear in Pune Defamation Case

**Pune, November 19, 2024** – A Pune court has ordered Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear in person on December 2nd to face a defamation complaint filed by Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of Hindutva icon V.D. Savarkar.

The complaint stems from a speech Mr. Gandhi delivered in London in March 2023. Mr. Savarkar alleges that Mr. Gandhi falsely claimed in his speech that Mr. Savarkar had written in a book about beating a Muslim man and feeling happy about it. Mr. Savarkar denies making such a statement.

Following a police investigation that found a prima facie case, the court initially issued summons in October. However, Mr. Gandhi did not appear, claiming he hadn’t received them. A subsequent request for a new summons resulted in the December 2nd court appearance order. While Mr. Gandhi’s lawyer initially indicated his client would attend, a procedural issue regarding legal representation led to the court setting the new date.

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