Wed Feb 19 00:29:40 UTC 2025: ## Pune Court Grants Rahul Gandhi Permanent Exemption in Defamation Case
**Pune, February 19, 2025** – A Pune court has granted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi permanent exemption from appearing in a defamation case filed against him. The case stems from alleged objectionable remarks Gandhi made about Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar during a speech in London in March 2023.
The court cited Gandhi’s Z-plus security detail and his status as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha as reasons for the exemption. The judge noted the significant security costs and potential law and order concerns associated with Gandhi’s appearance in court.
The defamation complaint was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, a grandnephew of V.D. Savarkar, who claimed Gandhi’s statements were defamatory and misrepresented Savarkar’s writings. Gandhi’s lawyer argued that the remarks were based on historical references and requested a summons trial to allow for detailed examination of evidence. The court granted this request, converting the summary trial to a summons trial.
While the defense argued for the exemption citing security concerns in Pune, including past incidents at the court building, Satyaki Savarkar’s lawyer objected to what he described as a misrepresentation of Pune’s security situation. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 25.
First Piper 