Varanasi Court Greenlights FIR Plea Against Rahul Gandhi Over Sikh Remarks

What Sparked the Legal Action?

On July 22, 2025, a Varanasi MP‑MLA court accepted a petition by Nageshwar Mishra, a former village head from Tilmapur, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making derogatory remarks against Sikhs. The petition references comments Gandhi allegedly made during a September 2024 visit to the U.S., suggesting Sikhs in India feared not being allowed to wear turbans, steel bracelets or visit Gurudwaras.

Judicial Timeline & Court Orders

The petition was previously dismissed by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on November 28, 2024. However, Special Judge Yajuvendra Vikram Singh overturned that decision, directing a fresh hearing in light of Supreme Court precedents regarding inquiry jurisdiction. The next hearing date will involve potential summons and examination under serious IPC charges.

Key Allegations in the Plea

The complaint claims Gandhi’s remarks hurt Sikh sentiments and insinuated support from Khalistani separatists, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. It seeks an FIR stating that the statements could incite communal unrest and threaten national unity.

Legal Context & Court’s Reasoning

Judge Singh clarified that the earlier dismissal relied on Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which requires central government sanction for attempting offences abroad—but only after cognizance. Since the MP‑MLA court had not yet taken cognizance, the petition can be heard at this stage.

Next Steps in Court Proceedings

The case now returns to the magistrate’s court. The judge will reassess whether Gandhi’s statements warrant formal FIR registration and whether to issue summons for trial under applicable legal provisions. Litigation and counter‑arguments from Gandhi’s advocates are expected in due course.

Trivia & Quiz Points

• Date accepted: July 22, 2025
• Plaintiff: Nageshwar Mishra, former Tilmapur village head
• Court: Varanasi MP‑MLA Court under Judge Yajuvendra Vikram Singh
• Legal basis: Revisiting earlier rejection from Nov 28, 2024
• Primary allegation: Sikh community’s inability to practise faith freely

Why It Matters

This development underscores the expanding legal scrutiny of political leaders’ international remarks and tensions around religious sensitivity. Outcomes from this hearing may set precedents on jurisdiction and freedom of speech for Indian politicians abroad.

Source: The Times Of India