The Supreme Court rebuked Rahul Gandhi for his statement regarding China's land occupation, stating, "If you are a true Indian, you wouldn't say such things." It also stayed the proceedings of the lower court in the defamation case.
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court has bly reprimanded Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for an old statement he made regarding China. The apex court stated in no uncertain terms that "If you were a true Indian, you would not say such things." This comment was made during the hearing of a petition concerning Rahul Gandhi's alleged remark after the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9, 2022.
What is the matter?
Essentially, during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', Rahul Gandhi stated from a public platform that "China has occupied approximately 2000 square kilometers of Indian land," which directly questioned the country's sovereignty and the dignity of the army. A defamation case was filed against him regarding this statement, which was heard in the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Reprimands
During the hearing, the court termed Rahul Gandhi's statement as 'irresponsible' and 'politically motivated.' The court said: "How did you determine that China has occupied 2000 sq km of land? Do you have any official sources or facts? Such a comment does not befit a responsible opposition leader." "If you consider yourself a true Indian, you should understand that such statements harm the integrity of the country and the reputation of the army."
Not just criticism, ask questions in Parliament
The court also stated that if Rahul Gandhi has questions about the government's policies or foreign policy, they should be raised in Parliament and not in public gatherings. The Supreme Court described his comment as 'demoralizing' for Indian soldiers stationed in border areas.
The Justice also said that, "When there is a situation of tension on the border, such statements have an impact not only within the country but also internationally. A responsible political leader is expected to make well-thought-out statements on such sensitive issues."
Relief Too, But With a Warning
However, the Supreme Court has granted temporary relief to Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case, staying the ongoing proceedings in the lower court for the time being. But it also clarified that such political rhetoric will be seriously considered from a judicial perspective in the future.
Political Reactions Begin
This comment has stirred up a storm in political circles. The BJP called it a 'judicial confirmation of anti-national mentality.' A BJP spokesperson said that "The Supreme Court has said what every patriot in the country thinks — Rahul Gandhi's politics repeatedly hurts the dignity of the army and the nation." On the other hand, the Congress defended Rahul Gandhi, saying that it is the job of the opposition to question the government and hold it accountable. A Congress spokesperson said that "What Rahul Gandhi said was based on various media reports and satellite images. Its purpose was not to insult the army, but to expose the truth on the border."
Context of Rahul Gandhi's Remark
When news of the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Tawang on December 9, 2022, came, the Congress accused the government of not having 'clear talks' with China and of hiding the real situation. In this context, Rahul Gandhi claimed that "China has occupied our land and the government is doing nothing about it out of fear."
