‘Wouldn’t Say That if You Were a True Indian’: SC Slams Rahul Gandhi on China Remarks

SC Rebukes Rahul Gandhi Over China Remarks: “A True Indian Would Not Say This”

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks claiming that China had occupied Indian territory, questioning the credibility of his statements and observing, “If you were a true Indian, you would not say this.”

The remarks came during a hearing on a criminal defamation case filed against Gandhi for comments made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022, where he alleged that the Chinese military had occupied 2,000 sq km of Indian land and was assaulting Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh.

While the top court stayed the defamation proceedings, the bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih expressed strong disapproval of Gandhi’s statements and his use of social media to make them. “Why do you not say these things in Parliament?” Justice Datta asked. “Just because you have Article 19(1)(a), you can’t say anything. Do you have credible material? Were you there?”

The defamation complaint was filed by former BRO Director Uday Shankar Srivastava, who alleged that Gandhi’s remarks defamed the Indian Army and were intended to mislead the public. Gandhi’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that an Opposition leader must be allowed to raise such issues. He also said the case was procedurally flawed, as Gandhi had not been heard before the summons was issued—a point the court agreed to examine.

Political Fallout
The BJP was quick to react to the Supreme Court’s observations. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X:

“Supreme Court rebukes Rahul Gandhi for irresponsible claim… A true Indian will not say this.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla demanded Gandhi’s resignation as Leader of Opposition, while party IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused him of repeatedly making remarks that undermine national security and diplomatic relations.