NEW DELHI: A Varanasi court has dismissed a plea seeking legal action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for remarks he allegedly made about Lord Ram during a speech at Brown University in April 2025.
The complaint, filed by advocate Harishankar Pandey, claimed Gandhi referred to Lord Ram as a “mythological and fictional figure,” which the petitioner said was offensive to Hindu sentiments.
The case was heard by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neeraj Kumar Tripathi, who ruled that the statements did not constitute an offense under applicable provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
The judge noted that the alleged comments fell within the scope of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution and did not incite hatred or violence.
The court emphasized the constitutional right to free speech, stating that criticism or differing interpretations of religious figures or beliefs—so long as they do not lead to public disorder— cannot be criminalized.
The judgment aligns with past precedents where courts have protected controversial speech in the public interest. The dismissal has prompted varied responses. Supporters of Gandhi hailed the verdict as a victory for democratic values and free expression.
On the other hand, critics argued that public figures should exercise restraint in religious matters to avoid stoking controversy or offending public sentiment. There is no indication yet that the petitioner will appeal the decision.
