Top Court Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Credibility on Galwan Valley Claims, Says Such Remarks Belittle National Integrity
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn during a Supreme Court hearing on Monday, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi faced a sharp rebuke from the bench over his controversial statement alleging that China had encroached upon 2,000 sq km of Indian territory. The top court sternly questioned the basis and intent of his claims, stating such remarks “should not be made by a true Indian”.
Court Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Source of Information
During the hearing on a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi seeking quashing of a defamation case related to his statements about the Indian Army and the Galwan Valley conflict, Justice Dipankar Dutta directly questioned the Congress leader's allegations.
"How did you know that the Chinese had taken over 2,000 km of Indian land? If you are a true Indian, you would not say this," remarked Justice Dutta, visibly displeased with the assertion.
The remark was about Rahul Gandhi's public statements blaming the Narendra Modi-led government for a so-called 'surrender' to Chinese aggression in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, where a violent military clash occurred in June 2020.
Court Slams Comments Made on Social Media Instead of Parliament
As the hearing progressed, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Gandhi, defended the Congress leader’s right to make political statements. Singhvi contended,
"If he cannot say these things, how can he be the Leader of the Opposition?"
In response, the bench shot back, questioning Gandhi's choice of platform:
"Then why don’t you say such things in Parliament? Why on social media?" the bench asked, further expressing displeasure over politicization of military matters in the public domain.
Context: Allegation of 2,000 km² Encroachment and Political Fallout
Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly alleged that China has illegally occupied 2,000 square kilometers of Indian land, a claim that has been refuted by the Indian government and armed forces. His statements, made outside of Parliament and often on social media, have stirred political controversy and drawn criticism from both ruling and opposition quarters.
Legal Backdrop: Defamation Case and Allahabad HC Ruling
The Supreme Court hearing stems from Rahul Gandhi’s challenge to a summons issued by a Special MP/MLA court in Lucknow in a defamation case. In May, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed Gandhi’s petition, allowing the case to proceed. Gandhi has now approached the apex court for relief.
Bench Composition and Proceedings
The matter was heard by a two-judge bench comprising Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice A.G. Masih, who issued a notice to Rahul Gandhi but also strongly cautioned against making statements that could compromise national interest or morale of the armed forces.
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