A Lucknow court, has imposed fine of Rs 200 on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his repeated absence from hearings.
The Upper Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court issued the fine and warned that stringent legal actions could be taken if he fails to appear on the next scheduled date, April 14, 2025.
The case is related to a controversial statement made by Gandhi during a press conference in Akola, Maharashtra, on December 17, 2022 in which Gandhi had allegedly labelled freedom fighter Veer Savarkar as “the servant of the British” and someone who “took a pension”from them.
The complainant Nripendra Pandey claims that Gandhi's statements were intended to spread discord and hatred within society.
He alleged that pamphlets echoing these sentiments were reportedly distributed among journalists at the conference.
“This provocation calls for charges under Sections 153(A) and 505 of the Indian Penal Code,” he said.
Gandhi could not attend due to meeting with foreign dignitary
During the hearing, Gandhi's lawyer, Pranshu Agrawal, submitted a plea for exemption, stating that Gandhi, currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in the Lok Sabha, had a pre-scheduled meeting with a foreign dignitary on March 5. He added that due to other official commitments, Gandhi was unable to attend court. Agrawal emphasised that Gandhi respects the court's orders and is not deliberately avoiding appearance.
The court, highlighting the importance of Gandhi's presence, sternly instructed him to appear on April 14, 2025, without fail, warning that a non-bailable warrant could be issued should he fail to appear in the next hearing.
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