Daijiworld Media Network - Varanasi

Varanasi, Sep 1: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Allahabad High Court challenging a special MP-MLA court order in Varanasi that had directed a subordinate court to reconsider an application seeking registration of an FIR against him.

The matter is listed for hearing before a single bench of Justice Sameer Jain on Monday. The case stems from remarks made by Gandhi during a 2024 visit to the US, where he allegedly said the environment in India was not favourable for Sikhs. The comments sparked protests and were termed “provocative and divisive.”

Nageshwar Mishra, a Varanasi resident, initially sought to register an FIR at the Sarnath police station. After failing, he filed an application in court. On November 28, 2024, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM MP-MLA), Varanasi, had rejected the plea citing lack of jurisdiction as the remarks were made abroad.

The order was challenged, and on July 21, the Special Judge (MP/MLA) directed the ACJM to hear the matter afresh. Gandhi has now filed a revision petition in the Allahabad High Court, terming the special court’s decision “wrong, illegal and without jurisdiction.”