Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Setback for Rahul Gandhi: High Court rejects plea in case over ‘controversial’ remarks on Sikhs
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, September 26, 2025: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, suffered a legal setback today when the Allahabad High Court dismissed his petition in connection with a case related to his alleged controversial remarks about the Sikh community during his U.S. visit.
Justice Sameer Jain’s single-judge bench delivered the verdict, which had been reserved on September 3 after hearing arguments from all sides. With this ruling, it is now clear that the case against Rahul Gandhi will proceed in the MP-MLA Court in Varanasi.
What Was the Controversial Remark?
The controversy dates back to September 2024, when Rahul Gandhi, during a program in the U.S., allegedly made provocative remarks questioning whether Sikhs in India could wear turbans, keep the religious bangle (Kara), or visit gurdwaras. His comments were accused of being divisive and of hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Following this, complainant Nageshwar Mishra initiated legal proceedings, alleging that Gandhi’s remarks were aimed at creating social discord.
Legal Journey of the Case
- Mishra first approached the Sarnath police station in Varanasi to register an FIR, but the police refused.
- He then moved the Judicial Magistrate (Second) Court in Varanasi, which dismissed his plea on November 28, 2024, citing lack of jurisdiction as the remarks were made abroad.
- Mishra filed a revision petition in the Varanasi Sessions Court, which on July 21, 2025, overturned the lower court’s order and directed that the matter be heard afresh by the MP-MLA Court.
- Rahul Gandhi challenged this order in the Allahabad High Court, arguing that the case was “illegal and beyond jurisdiction.”
What Next?
With the High Court rejecting his petition, the case will now proceed before the Varanasi MP-MLA Court, which will decide whether an FIR should be registered against Rahul Gandhi.
Senior advocate Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi represented Gandhi, while Satyendra Kumar Tripathi appeared for the complainant, and Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal represented the state government.