Varanasi Court Rejects Plea Seeking FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Over His Remarks On Sikhs During US Trip

A Varanasi court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged remarks against Sikhs during his USA visit. The petitioner claimed that Gandhi's comments were derogatory and intended to offend the Sikh community. The court found no prima facie evidence of intent to promote enmity or hurt religious sentiments, as required under Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code. The court ruled that political criticism, even if controversial, does not necessarily constitute a cognizable offense unless malicious intent is established. The judgment underscores the judiciary's role in upholding free speech while preventing misuse of criminal law for political motives.