‘RSS-21st Century Kauravas’ Remark: Defamation Complaint Filed Against Rahul Gandhi In Haridwar Court

A defamation complaint has been filed in the Haridwar Court 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 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.

#JustIN | A defamation case has been filed in the Haridwar Court against Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remark calling the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the "Kauravas of the 21st century."#Defamation #DefamationCase pic.twitter.com/OE6SA8k0P9

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 1, 2023

The statement that is the center of this controversy 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".

Referring to Gandhi's alleged statement, the complaint states 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. 

"You (referring to Gandhi) are fully aware of what a heinous act the Kauravas have done, yet you called the hardworking, hardworking, dedicated, and self-sacrificing Sangh like RSS as Kauravas and also said that these people do not say Har Har Mahadev, Don't say Jai Shri Ram which shows your disgusting mentality," the complaint states.

The complaint further submits that Gandhi has said that this country belongs to Tapasvis and not to Pujaris and by stating thus, he divided the Sanatanis into Tapasvis and Pujaris which resulted in hurting the sentiments of the people of the country.

Against this backdrop, the complaint plea seeks the institution of a case against Gandhi. The matter would be heard by the Court on April 12.

In related news, an MP/MLA Court in Bihar's Patna district has also directed Gandhi to appear before it on April 12 to record his statements under section 313 CrPC in the Defamation case filed against him by Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi. The case was filed in 2019 for Gandhi's alleged remarks “why all thieves share the Modi surname” made during a political campaign in Karol in April 2019.

It may be noted that on March 23, a court in Surat in Gujarat convicted Gandhi in a similar defamation case filed against him over this very statement, following which, he was disqualified as an MP of the Lok Sabha.