In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concerning his alleged remarks about the Sikh community.
Rahul Gandhi had challenged the order of a Varanasi MP/MLA court, which had accepted a revision petition in connection with the case. The controversy dates back to September 2024, when Gandhi, during a visit to the United States, made statements about the condition of Sikhs in India at a public event.
In his speech, Gandhi reportedly questioned whether Sikhs in India could freely wear turbans, take firm positions, and visit gurdwaras. His remarks were strongly opposed by several individuals, who termed them provocative and divisive.
Following the statement, a resident of Varanasi, Nageshwar Mishra, attempted to file an FIR against Gandhi at the Sarnath police station. When the FIR was not registered, he approached the court. However, on November 28, 2024, the Judicial Magistrate (Second) dismissed the plea, stating that the alleged remarks were made in the United States and thus fell outside its jurisdiction.
Subsequently, Mishra filed a revision petition in the sessions court. On July 21, 2025, the special MP/MLA court in Varanasi accepted the revision petition, reopening the matter. Gandhi then approached the High Court, arguing that the Varanasi court’s order was illegal and beyond its jurisdiction. He also sought a stay on the proceedings until the High Court decided the matter.
However, the High Court rejected Gandhi’s plea, allowing the legal proceedings in the lower court to continue. The case remains under judicial consideration.
