SC Pulls Up Rahul Gandhi Over Remark on Chinese Occupation: ‘Unbecoming of a True Indian’

SC Rebukes Rahul Gandhi Over Chinese Occupation Remark: “A True Indian Wouldn’t Say This”

The Supreme Court on Monday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks alleging that the Chinese military had occupied large parts of Indian territory. During a hearing on a defamation case filed against him, the court questioned the credibility of Gandhi’s claims and said, “If you were a true Indian, you would not say this.”

The comment came while a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih was hearing a petition challenging criminal defamation proceedings initiated against Gandhi over his controversial statements on the Indian Army in the context of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

SC Questions Credibility of Claim
The apex court granted interim relief to the Congress MP by staying the proceedings, but not without a sharp rebuke. The bench asked how Gandhi could assert that China had occupied 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory.

“Were you there? Do you have any credible material?” Justice Datta asked, adding, “Just because you have freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a), it doesn’t mean you can say anything.”

The court also took issue with Gandhi’s use of social media to make the remarks. “Why do you not raise these issues in Parliament? Why social media?” the bench asked.

Defamation Case Background
The defamation case was filed by retired Border Roads Organisation official Uday Shankar Srivastava, who alleged that Gandhi’s remarks—made on December 16, 2022, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra—were defamatory towards the Indian Army. Specifically, Gandhi had claimed Chinese troops were “thrashing Indian soldiers” in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Allahabad High Court had earlier dismissed Gandhi’s plea to quash the proceedings, stating that free speech does not protect defamatory remarks against the Army. The Supreme Court has now issued notice to reconsider aspects of that ruling.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, argued that the opposition must be allowed to raise questions. He also said procedural rules were not followed when the complaint was admitted, but the court noted this objection was not raised earlier.

Political Reactions
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju echoed the court’s sentiment, stating:

“Supreme Court rebukes Rahul Gandhi for irresponsible claim that Chinese occupied Indian territory.”

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla went further, demanding Gandhi’s resignation as Leader of the Opposition:

“After such strong remarks from the SC, he has no right to continue.”

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused Gandhi of undermining India’s national security and supporting hostile narratives, saying, “The Supreme Court has once again reprimanded ‘China Guru’ Rahul Gandhi for making irresponsible statements.”