Rahul Gandhi Faces Lucknow Court Over Galwan Valley Remarks Defamation Case
The case stems from alleged derogatory comments Gandhi made about the Indian Army’s role in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash during his Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA Special Magistrate Court in Lucknow to address a defamation case filed by Uday Shankar Srivastava, a retired director of the Border Roads Organisation.
Rahul Gandhi Faces Defamation Case
Srivastava’s complaint accuses Gandhi of making false and damaging statements during a public speech in Uttar Pradesh as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He alleges that Gandhi claimed the Indian Army was “beaten” by Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley, undermining the bravery of soldiers who lost their lives in the clash. Srivastava contends that these remarks insulted the armed forces and misrepresented facts, prompting him to file the defamation suit under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Rahul Gandhi Faces Lucknow Court
During the hearing, Gandhi, accompanied by his legal team, denied the allegations, asserting that his comments were taken out of context and aimed at criticizing the government’s handling of border security, not the army. His counsel argued that the statements were part of political discourse protected under free speech. The court, presided over by Special Magistrate Shantanu Tyagi, recorded Gandhi’s statement and scheduled the next hearing for August 5, 2025, to allow further evidence submission.
Galwan Clash Remarks
The case has stirred controversy, with Congress supporters labeling it a politically motivated attempt to silence Gandhi, while critics argue it reflects his alleged disregard for national institutions. The timing, amid ongoing India-China border talks, adds a sensitive dimension to the legal battle, drawing significant media attention.
