Varanasi, Aug. 31 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Allahabad High Court against a Varanasi special MP-MLA court order directing a subordinate court to hear afresh an application seeking registration of an FIR against him over remarks made about Sikhs during a 2024 US visit.
The matter is listed before a single bench of Justice Sameer Jain for hearing on September 1.
On November 28, 2024, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM MP-MLA), Varanasi, had rejected the application filed by Varanasi resident Nageshwar Mishra, observing that the speech, delivered in the United States, was beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
The ACJM’s order was later challenged in the sessions court, and on July 21, 2025, the Special Judge (MP/MLA) directed the ACJM to hear the matter afresh. Gandhi has now filed a revision petition in the Allahabad High Court, arguing that the special court’s order is “wrong, illegal and without jurisdiction.”
The controversy stems from remarks Gandhi allegedly made in September 2024, stating that the environment in India was not favorable for Sikhs. The comments were described as “provocative and divisive,” sparking protests. Mishra had initially attempted to register an FIR at the Sarnath police station but was unsuccessful, prompting him to approach the court.
