Rahul Gandhi Savarkar Defamation Case: CD With Speech Fails to Play in Pune Court
Pune, 28th November 2025: Proceedings in the defamation case against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi saw an unexpected delay on Wednesday when a CD containing his alleged remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar could not be played in court due to a technical glitch. The matter is being heard in the special court designated for cases involving elected representatives.
The complaint was filed by Satvik (Satyaki) Savarkar, the grandson of Savarkar, over comments Gandhi allegedly made during a speech to the Indian diaspora in London in March 2023. As part of the evidence, the complainant’s lawyer, Adv. Sangram Kolhatkar, submitted two CDs containing the said speech.
During cross-examination, the CD failed to play in the courtroom. Adv. Kolhatkar requested that both CDs be played for verification, but the court turned down his plea. He then sought additional time to complete the cross-examination and submission of evidence.
Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer, Adv. Milind Pawar, strongly opposed the request under Section 309 of the CrPC, arguing that the complainant has already been granted multiple extensions. He urged the court not to allow any further adjournments and to direct that the evidence process be concluded without delay.
The court has previously granted three extensions for cross-examination and submission of evidence in this matter.
