“How do you know China occupied 2,000 sq-km of land,” It says but stays proceeding in trial court against the Congress leader over alleged derogatory remarks about Indian Army during Bharat Jodo Yatra
“If you are a true Indian, you would not say such a thing,” the Supreme Court today censured Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks about the Indian Army during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Apex Court, however, stayed the proceedings initiated in the matter against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha before a Lucknow court. A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government and the complainant in the case, according to reports.
“You are the leader of the opposition. Why don’t you say things in Parliament, why do you have to say it on social media?” the judges questioned, also asking the basis of his allegation.
“How do you know that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by the Chinese? Were you there? Do you have any credible material?
“Why do you make these statements without having any material? If you are a true Indian, you won’t say such a thing,” the Bench said
Appearing for Gandhi, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi submitted that if the leader of opposition cannot raise issues, it would be an unfortunate situation. “If he can’t say these things which are published in the Press, then he can’t be a leader of opposition,” Singhvi said.
Regarding the Bench’ true Indian remark, he replied, “It is also possible that a true Indian will say that our 20 Indian soldiers were beaten up and killed, this is also a matter of concern.”
To this the top court said “when there is a conflict across the border, is it unusual to have casualties on either side?” Being a responsible leader of opposition he should do it at a proper forum to raise such questions, it added
Singhvi also said the complaint was nothing but an attempt to harass the petitioner.
The top court has issued notice on the plea while seeking response in three weeks and stayed the proceedings in the Lucknow trial court.
The Allahabad High Court on May 29 dismissed Gandhi’s plea.
