Court Summons Rahul Gandhi Over Controversial Remarks

A local court has issued a notice to Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, demanding his response concerning his controversial remarks about 'fighting the Indian state itself'.

The notice was issued by Additional District Judge (ADJ-II) Aarti Faujdar, following a complaint by Hindu Shakti Dal national president Simran Gupta. The complaint stems from statements Gandhi made during the inauguration of the Congress' new headquarters in Delhi on January 15. In his speech, Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of capturing every institution in the country, declaring a fight against the BJP, RSS, and the Indian state itself.

Gupta argues Gandhi's words demonstrate disrespect towards India's citizens and democracy, deeply hurting public sentiments. With no action taken by local authorities, Gupta filed a case on January 23. Initially asked to appear in court on April 4, Gandhi now must respond by June 16 due to schedule adjustments and his counsel's absence in the latest hearing.

(With inputs from agencies.)