The Supreme Court of India on Monday (August 4, 2025) stayed proceedings in a criminal defamation case against the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in a Lucknow court for remarks made to mediapersons during his Bharat Jodo Yatra about the reported skirmishes between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the border.
“How did you get to know that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory was occupied? Were you there? Do you have any credible proof? If you are a true Indian, you would not say all these things,” Justice Dipankar Datta criticised Mr. Gandhi.
Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi and advocate Prasanna S. responded that a “true Indian would also say our Indian soldiers were beaten up…” Mr. Singhvi said his client’s remarks were meant for disclosure of information in public interest.
What is defamation?
Justice Datta, heading a Bench also comprising Justice A.G. Masih, asked why Mr. Gandhi was compelled to air his views on social media and that he should ask his questions in the Parliament. The judge said freedom of speech did not mean that a “responsible Leader of Opposition would do all this.”
