Supreme Court Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Army Remarks, Questions Credibility of Claims on China Occupation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks questioning the Indian Army’s position following the December 9, 2022, clash with Chinese forces in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector.

During the hearing, a bench of Justices expressed serious concern over Gandhi’s public statements suggesting that “2000 sq km of Indian territory had been occupied by China.” The Court asked, “How do you get to know that 2000 sq km was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true Indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across the border, can you say all this? Why can’t you ask the question in Parliament?”

The bench noted that public discourse, especially by elected representatives, must be responsible and based on verified facts, particularly when it pertains to national security and the morale of the armed forces.

While pulling up the Congress leader, the Court simultaneously granted him relief by staying further proceedings before the trial court in the defamation case filed over his comments. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing in the coming weeks.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in 2022 had sparked political backlash, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party accusing him of demoralizing the armed forces and “echoing China’s propaganda.” The Congress, on the other hand, had defended Gandhi’s statement as a legitimate question aimed at holding the government accountable.