Latest news with #Satyaki
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Savarkar defamation case: Rahul Gandhi pleads not guilty before Pune court
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday pleaded not guilty in the V D Savarkar defamation case before an MP/MLA court in Pune. Rahul Gandhi's counsel Milind Pawar appeared before the court on his behalf to record his plea in the defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar. Special judge Amol Shinde of the MP/MLA court read out the charges against Gandhi. Then, through his lawyer, Rahul submitted that he does not plead guilty in this case. Advocate Pawar filed an application before the MP/MLA court seeking that the complainant (Satyaki) clarify under which provision of law the latter submitted 'two different and mutually contradictory family trees'. Pawar requested the court to direct the complainant to clarify the reason for the omission of the name of his mother Himani in the second family tree placed on record. Satyaki's lawyer Sangram Kolhatkar argued that the two family trees are not different or contradictory. The court asked Kolhatkar to file a say on the clarification sought by Rahul Gandhi's counsel, during the next hearing on July 29. Earlier, on March 28, advocate Pawar had filed an application on behalf of Rahul, requesting the court to direct the complainant to file a family tree on his maternal side. Pawar claimed that the complainant has 'deliberately, systematically, very brilliantly avoided, and suppressed to disclose the family tree from his maternal side in the present complaint.' The complainant's mother Himani Ashok Savarkar is a daughter of Gopal Godse, younger brother of Nathuram Godse, who had killed Mahatma Gandhi. But, on May 28, the court had rejected Rahul's application and observed that 'this case is related only to alleged defamatory speech made by the accused in London against VD Savarkar.' The court order stated that Satyaki is the grandson of one of the brothers of late V D Savarkar and the said case is not related to the family tree of his mother Himani Savarkar. Satyaki Savarkar had filed the defamation complaint against Rahul for his alleged objectionable remarks against V D Savarkar during a speech the Congress leader made in London on March 5, 2023. According to Satyaki, Gandhi had said in his speech in London that Savarkar had written a book in which it is stated that Savarkar and five to six of his friends beat up a Muslim and were 'delighted' about it. Satyaki said V D Savarkar had not written any such book as Gandhi had claimed, nor has such an incident ever take place. In his petition, Satyaki stated, 'He (Gandhi) has intentionally made false, malicious and wild allegations against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, fully knowing the said allegations to be untrue, with the specific objective of harming the reputation and to defame the surname Savarkar.' In his criminal defamation application, Satyaki demanded maximum punishment for Rahul Gandhi under section 500 (Punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code. On May 27, 2024, the inquiry report submitted by Pune City police before the magistrate court in this case concluded that Rahul Gandhi defamed V D Savarkar during his speech at the London event, by making statements that were not written by Savarkar in any of his books.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Can't compel Rahul Gandhi to produce book he cited in speech against Savarkar: Court
Pune: A special magisterial court on Thursday rejected the plea filed by the great-grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Satyaki, seeking a direction to the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to supply a copy of the book he cited during his alleged defamatory speech in London in 2023 against the Hindutva ideologue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Satyaki is the complainant in the defamation case he filed against Gandhi under the provisions of IPC section 500. Judicial Magistrate First Class Amol Shinde, in his three-page order, observed that Gandhi couldn't be compelled to disclose his evidence before the trial commencement. The court noted, "The accused cannot be compelled to produce the document/book sought by the complainant. As per Article 20 (3) of the Constitution of India, no person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. Therefore, this court is of the opinion that an order cannot be passed directing the accused to file incriminating documents." Satyaki's lawyer, Sangram Kolhatkar, filed a plea under the provisions of section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita seeking a copy of the book cited by Gandhi in his speech in London on March 5, 2023. Opposing the plea, Gandhi's lawyer, Milind Pawar, submitted that the trial in the case has not yet commenced and his client couldn't be compelled to disclose or divulge or submit any part of the documents relied upon before the trial could commence. Pawar argued Satyaki was required to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and the burden of proof was entirely on him. "My client is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. If the complainant's plea is allowed, it would cause serious prejudice to Gandhi's right to a fair trial," he said, adding that forcing the defence to prematurely disclose the defence was not permitted under the Criminal Procedure Code and Constitution. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The court order read, "No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself and nor can he be compelled to produce incriminating documents material against him. The plea filed by Savarkar is liable to be rejected."
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Rahul Gandhi seeks time to reply on plea demanding book quoted by him for ‘defaming' Savarkar
A court in Pune on Thursday granted more time to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to file his reply on an application seeking a copy of the book quoted by him while making an alleged defamatory statement against freedom fighter V D Savarkar during his speech in London. Gandhi is likely to submit his 'say' through his lawyer Milind Pawar to special judge Amol Shinde of the MP/MLA court in Pune, during the next hearing of the defamation case scheduled on July 3. Satyaki Savarkar had filed the defamation complaint against Gandhi for his alleged objectionable remarks against freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, during a speech in London on March 5, 2023. Satyaki is the grandnephew of V D Savarkar. According to Satyaki, Gandhi had said in his speech that Savarkar wrote a book in which he stated that he and five to six of his friends beat up a Muslim and were 'delighted' about it. Satyaki said V D Savarkar had not written any such book as claimed by Gandhi, nor has such an incident ever happened. Earlier, Rahul's lawyer Milind Pawar had filed an application before the court seeking an English translation of the book 'Mazi Janmathep' authored by V D Savarkar, another book 'Hindutva' also authored by him, and the family tree of Satyaki Savarkar. Satyaki's lawyer Sangram Kolhatkar provided the same to advocate Pawar in the court. Last month, Satyaki filed an application before the court through advocate Kolhatkar, seeking directions for Gandhi to produce the book allegedly written by V D Savarkar, which was cited by him in his alleged defamatory statement. 'The above-mentioned book is necessary for a fair trial. Previously, this court had granted permission to the accused to obtain the book titled 'Hindutva' written by Veer Savarkar from the complainant. Hence, on the same grounds and principles, the complainant too should be granted the same relief in the interest of justice and fair trial,' the application stated. The court had asked advocate Pawar to file a 'say' on this application on behalf of Gandhi. But on Thursday, Pawar filed another application seeking more time for filing the 'say'. Pawar submitted in his plea that Gandhi is holding a constitutional post (Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha) and is occupied with official duties and public responsibilities of utmost importance. It further stated that 'due to certain unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances, the defence is unable to file say/reply on the said application….' Pawar sought reasonable time from the court to file a detailed reply to Satyaki's application. The court allowed Pawar's plea and kept the matter for hearing on July 3. During the last hearing, the court had rejected an application filed by Gandhi seeking the maternal family tree of Satyaki. Satyaki's mother Himani Ashok Savarkar is the daughter of Gopal Godse, the younger brother of Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin. Rejecting Gandhi's plea, the court had observed that Satyaki is the grandson of one of the brothers of late V D Savarkar and the said case is not related to the family tree of his mother Himani Savarkar.
News18
12-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Bihar Elections 2025: Who Gains, Who Loses If AAP Contests On All 243 Seats?
Curated By : Satyaki Baidya Translation Desk Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 18:17 IST AAP is reportedly eyeing urban and young voters, traditionally seen as the support base of the RJD and Congress. (PTI/File) In a move that could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced it will contest all 243 seats on its own. Once a part of the opposition INDIA bloc, AAP's decision to go solo is expected to add a new twist to the state's political equation, potentially affecting the fortunes of both the ruling NDA and the opposition alliance. Political experts note that despite AAP's limited support base in Bihar and its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections—where it contested a few of the 40 seats without securing any wins—the party's decision to contest all 243 assembly seats signals its growing ambitions and intent to expand its political footprint. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said, 'We will go among the people in Bihar on issues like education, health, and electricity." The party is reportedly eyeing urban and young voters, traditionally seen as the support base of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. Which Alliance Stands To Lose From Kejriwal's Move? According to political commentators, AAP's move could hurt the INDIA alliance, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties. RJD's core vote base in Bihar comprises Yadavs, Muslims, and Dalits, while Congress holds sway in some urban and Dalit constituencies. Many have expressed that AAP's presence may divide these votes—particularly in closely contested seats—ultimately benefiting the NDA. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA bloc won 9 seats in Bihar, while the NDA secured 30. Experts note that if AAP cuts into the RJD and Congress vote share, it could directly benefit the BJP and Janata Dal (United). Which Alliance Can Benefit? Political experts believe that AAP's decision could indirectly benefit the NDA. The NDA's strength in Bihar comes from the alliance of BJP, JDU, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM). In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA secured 52% of the vote share, while the INDIA alliance got 42%. According to political analyst Yashwant Deshmukh, 'Voting in Bihar is based on arithmetic. If the NDA remains united, it is difficult to defeat it." Experts note that the division of opposition votes due to AAP's presence may make it easier for the NDA to win. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political commentators argue that AAP's decision to contest all seats is a risky move, given Bihar's political landscape shaped by complex caste equations and the dominance of strong regional parties. According to experts, while AAP's Delhi model may resonate with urban voters, regional parties like the RJD and JDU maintain deep-rooted influence in rural areas. Analysts further suggest that even if AAP secures 5–10% of the vote, it could significantly damage the INDIA bloc's prospects. Many believe that while AAP's strategy may help the party position itself as a long-term alternative in Bihar, the immediate impact is likely to hurt the INDIA alliance the most. Commentators point out that a division in opposition votes could ultimately strengthen the NDA's position. All eyes are now on how Bihar's electorate responds and how effective AAP's campaign proves to be on the ground. News elections Bihar Elections 2025: Who Gains, Who Loses If AAP Contests On All 243 Seats?
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Plea to cancel Rahul Gandhi's bail bond rejected
1 2 3 Pune: The court of special magistrate Amol Shinde rejected the plea of Satyaki Savarkar, great-grandnephew of Hindu ideologue Veer Damodar Savarkar, to cancel the bail bond of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The court in its order of May 28 observed that Gandhi was granted permanent exemption from appearing before the court after he was released on bail, and enough grounds were not cited to cancel his bail bond. The court rejected Satyaki's plea because the grounds mentioned by him to cancel Gandhi's bail bond were not justified. The court relied on the Orissa High Court order in the case of Chinmaya Sahu vs State of Orissa, which stated that bail granted under the provisions of Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) could be cancelled by invoking Section 439 (2) of the CrPC. The court order stated that if Satyaki wanted to pray for cancelling the bail bond of Gandhi, he could file a plea under Section 439 (2) of the CrPC. Gandhi's lawyer, Milind Pawar, submitted that the court did not impose any conditions on his client at the time of granting him bail, so there was no question of cancelling his bail bond. The lawyer said his client was facing a charge of criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which was a bailable offence. Satyaki filed the criminal defamation case over alleged objectionable remarks made by the Congress leader against Savarkar in a March 2023 speech in London.
