Key Points
- Congress says Rahul Gandhi’s “life threat” application in Pune court was filed by his lawyer without instructions and will be withdrawn on Thursday.
- Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate states Rahul “strongly disagrees” with the petition; lawyer issues written admission and apology for filing it without client’s consent.
- The application had cited “grave apprehensions” to Gandhi’s safety in the Savarkar defamation case and sought preventive protection from the State.
- Defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar over Rahul’s 2023 remarks; next hearing is listed for September 10 in the special MP/MLA court, Pune.
New Delhi: Congress publicly clarified that a written application submitted in a Pune court claiming Rahul Gandhi faces a “grave threat” to life was filed by his counsel without prior consultation or approval from Gandhi, and will be withdrawn at the next appearance. The clarification follows a day of intense political reactions after reports highlighted Gandhi’s filing seeking the court’s note of “grave apprehensions” and preventive security.
The Lawyer’s Statement
According to the party, Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer acknowledged in writing that the petition was moved “without the instruction of my client,” was prepared without consulting him, and that he would request permission from the court to withdraw it on Thursday. The statement aligns with Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate’s briefing that Rahul “strongly disagrees” with the filing.
Context: The Original Application
Earlier on Wednesday, submissions made through counsel in the Savarkar defamation case stated there was a “clear, reasonable, and substantial apprehension” of harm tied to political hostilities and the complainant’s lineage, seeking “preventive protection” from the State and asking the court to take judicial notice of the alleged risk. The defamation case, brought by Satyaki Savarkar, challenges Rahul’s 2023 remarks referencing accounts he attributed to Savarkar’s writings; the complainant disputes the existence of such an account and seeks relief under IPC Section 500 and CrPC Section 357.
What Happens Next
- Withdrawal move: Counsel plans to appear before the special MP/MLA court to apply for withdrawal of the “life threat” plea, as per the party’s clarification and the lawyer’s own statement.
- Case schedule: The court has listed the matter’s next hearing for September 10, when routine proceedings in the defamation case are expected to continue.
- Political fallout: The Congress reversal is likely to be cited by opponents who had seized on the original security assertions to escalate the political debate.
