‘RSS-21st Century Kauravas’ Remark| Haridwar Court To Examine On June 24 Complainant's Witnesses In Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi

In the defamation complaint filed against Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remark made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in January this year calling the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the "Kauravas of the 21st century, the Haridwar Court will take evidence/examine the witnesses of the complainant on June 24 under Section 202 (2) CrPC.

The defamation complaint under Section 499 and 500 IPC, has been filed by an RSS worker Kamal Bhadauriya, wherein he has alleged that not only did Gandhi insult the RSS, but he also insulted the Pujaris, thereby insulting the sentiments of the countrymen.

It may be noted that earlier in April this year, the Court ordered to register the complaint and on May 6, the evidence of the complainant (Bhadauriya) was taken and his statements were recorded. Although his witnesses were to be examined on May 20, the same could not be done as he failed to produce his witnesses on that day.

Consequently, Chief Judicial Magistrate Sangeeta Rani has now posted the matter for June 24 for the examination of his witnesses. 

The background of the case

For context, the statement that is at the centre of the Defamation complaint was allegedly made by Gandhi in Haryana this year, wherein referring to the RSS, he had said: "Kauravas of the 21st century wear Khakhi half-pants and run shakhas. Besides them stand two to three richest people of the country".

Objecting to Gandhi's statement, Complainant Bhadauriya moved the Haridwar Court with a defamation complaint in March this year stating that RSS is such an organization that has contributed the most in the difficult situations faced by the Country and it has also contributed in competing with a country like Pakistan.