Allahabad HC rejects Rahul Gandhi’s plea in Sikh remarks case

Rahul Gandhi

The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a revision petition filed by Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, challenging the order of the MP/MLA Special Court in Varanasi. The High Court had reserved its decision after arguments from all parties concluded on September 3.

Rahul Gandhi had challenged the Varanasi court's decision in the Allahabad High Court. The High Court also directed the Varanasi court not to proceed further in the matter until it gives judgment.

The case originated after one Nageshwar Mishra approached a magistrate's court in Varanasi seeking an FIR against Gandhi. Mishra alleged that Gandhi, during a visit to the United States in September 2024, made a "provocative statement" questioning whether Sikhs in India feel safe wearing turbans or visiting gurdwaras.

The magistrate court first dismissed the plea, saying the alleged remarks were made outside India and therefore required sanction from the Central government to proceed. Mishra then went to the Sessions Court, which overturned the dismissal and asked the lower court to hear the case again.

Rahul Gandhi challenged the Sessions Court’s order in the Allahabad High Court. His lawyer argued that the remarks were taken out of context and that Gandhi had not incited rebellion or violence.