A Pune court on Tuesday granted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi permanent exemption from appearing in a defamation case concerning his alleged derogatory comments about Hindutva figure Veer Savarkar. The decision was made considering Gandhi’s high-level security cover and his role as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The exemption plea was submitted last month by Advocate Milind Pawar, representing Gandhi in the case. Pawar also filed a separate request to convert the ongoing “summary trial,” which involves a swift legal process, into a “summons trial,” a more detailed process allowing examination of historical records and evidence.

The defamation case was initiated by Satyaki Savarkar, a grandnephew of Veer Savarkar, following a speech Gandhi delivered in London in March 2023. During his address, Gandhi reportedly referenced a book, alleging that Savarkar had written about assaulting a Muslim man and feeling pleasure afterward. Satyaki Savarkar contested the claim, asserting that no such statement existed in any book authored by Veer Savarkar.

Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Amol Shinde, presiding over the special court handling cases involving MPs and MLAs, accepted the exemption request. The court acknowledged that Gandhi’s Z-plus security status posed logistical and financial challenges for every court appearance, along with potential law-and-order concerns.

The court noted that Gandhi’s obligations as the Opposition leader require frequent travel and public engagements. Taking these factors into account, the judge allowed the exemption but clarified that the legal proceedings would continue.

The court had previously granted bail to Gandhi after a virtual appearance last month. The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.

During the exemption plea, Gandhi’s legal team also highlighted security concerns associated with Pune’s court complex, referring to past threats and incidents. They noted the historical significance of the location and cited past security breaches, including a bomb threat and an attack on an undertrial.

The defense also referenced Veer Savarkar’s controversial past, noting his alleged connection to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, though he was later acquitted.

Sangram Kolhatkar, representing the complainant Satyaki Savarkar, objected to the defense’s portrayal of Pune as unsafe, arguing that it unjustly tarnished the city’s image and the court premises' reputation.

Despite the exemption being granted, the defamation case will proceed, with both sides preparing for the upcoming hearing later this month.