Remarks against Savarkar: SC extends stay on trial in case against Rahul Gandhi in UP
New Delhi(PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday extended the stay on the criminal proceedings against senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal case lodged in Uttar Pradesh for his comments against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 2022.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankra Datta and Augustine George Masih took note of the fact that a letter for adjournment was circulated in the case filed by Gandhi and decided to hear it after four weeks.
Senior advocate Garima Prasad, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, apprised the court that a reply to the plea has been filed by the state.
The state government has opposed the plea of Gandhi and sought its dismissal saying it agreed with “the contention of complainant advocate Nripendra Pandey that Rahul Gandhi’s actions were done with intention of spreading hate and enmity within the society.”
It said the order passed by the Allahabad High Court, rejecting Gandhi’s plea, was “justified and legal” and interference from the top court was “warranted”.
The bench also permitted complainant Pandey, who had fled the case against the Congress leader, to file his reply during the day.
It said Gandhi can file his rejoinder to the replies filed by the state government and others in two weeks.
Earlier, the top court on April 25 had pulled up Gandhi for his "irresponsible" remarks on Savarkar, saying "let's not mock our freedom fighters".
The bench, however, stayed the criminal proceedings against Gandhi in the case lodged in Uttar Pradesh for his remarks. Gandhi moved the apex court challenging an order of the Allahabad High Court, which refused to quash summons issued against him in the case.
A case under various penal provisions for alleged offences like 'promoting enmity between classes' and 'public mischief' was lodged against Gandhi by Pandey, a lawyer by profession.
The case stems from the Congress leader's comments on Savarkar made on November 17, 2022, during his Bharat Jodo Yatra at a rally in Maharashtra's Akola district.
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Kumaraswamy accuses Cong govt of 'neglecting' farmers in Karnataka
Mysuru (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of "neglecting" the farmers in the state and being involved in corruption.
The JD(S) leader took part in an event where President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 1066th Jayanthi celebrations of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji at Malavalli in Mandya district, which comes under his Lok Sabha constituency.
"I saw a report that 2,800 farmers have died by suicide after this government came to power (in state). The government seems to be not concerned about the farmers. This government on coming to power said that it will give Rs 24,000 crore as loan to 32 lakh farmers for their farming activities, but till November, about Rs 12,000 crore has been paid to 24 lakh farmers, limiting to what was there earlier by managing the books of account," Kumaraswamy said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "These things show the failures of this government. Also, there is a corrupt system. I will not speak about it now. After December 20, I will speak to you in detail. There are a lot of issues to share with you."
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Responding to a question, the JD(S) leader, who turned 66 today, said there is no use of giving any documents. "I'm waiting for the right time."
Regarding the Congress government introducing a bill against "hate speech" in the Assembly, Kumaswamy said it is aimed at silencing the opposition in the state, but they won't be successful.
"What do Congress leaders have to say about their workers' comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi?. He cited slogans -- 'Modi teri kabr khudegi, aaj nahi to kal khudegi' (Modi's grave will be dug.. if not today, then tomorrow) -- allegedly raised against Modi at a Congress rally in Delhi on Sunday.
