Pune: A special court in Pune has granted approval for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s request to conduct a “Summons Trial” in the defamation case filed by Pantu Satkyaki Sawant, the descendant of freedom fighter Veer Vinayak Damodar Sawant.
The case arises from a statement made by Gandhi during a speech in London, where he allegedly misrepresented Sawant by claiming that Sawant had written in his book, “while traveling, some people were beating up a Muslim, and I was very happy to see it.” Satkyaki Sawant refutes this claim, asserting that such a statement was never made by his ancestor, which led to the defamation suit.
The hearing was presided over by Special Judge Mr. Amol Shriram Shinde at the MP MLA Court in Pune. Gandhi’s lawyer, Advocate Milind Dattatray Pawar, filed a plea requesting the case to be heard as a “Summons Trial” instead of a “Summary Trial.” Pawar argued that the case involves complex historical issues and requires a thorough cross-examination of witnesses, which could not be adequately addressed in a Summary Trial.
The case involves several key historical elements, including Vinayak Damodar Sawant’s contribution to India’s independence, his writings, his views on Muslims, and his relationship with the British. The defense argued that these issues require a detailed examination, which could only be accomplished through a Summons Trial, allowing the defense to present a more comprehensive case, submit necessary documents, and effectively cross-examine witnesses.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Shinde approved the request, and the case will now proceed under the Summons Trial procedure.
Additionally, Advocate Milind Pawar raised concerns regarding the unavailability of crucial evidence, such as CDs of Gandhi’s speech at the Diaspora event in London, related newspaper articles, books, and witness affidavits. Pawar has requested the court to order the plaintiff, Satkyaki Sawant, to provide these documents to the defense before the trial begins. The court has instructed the plaintiff to submit written statements regarding this issue.
The next hearing in the defamation case is scheduled for April 25, 2025.
