'True Indian won't make such statement': Supreme Court slams Rahul Gandhi over Army remark; stays defamation case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday slammed leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making defamatory statements against the Indian Army, saying that a "true Indian won't make such statements". The top court, however, stayed the defamation case against him, further asking him to make statements responsibly in Parliament instead of on social media.

The top court asked Gandhi the basis of his remarks saying, "How do you get to know that 2000 sq km land was occupied by Chinese, if you are true Indian, you wouldn't say such a thing."

"You are Leader of Opposition. Say things in Parliament, why do you have say it on social media?" PTI quoted SC saying.

The complaint alleged that his remarks about the December 2022 India-China clash defamed and demoralized the Indian Army. He had said the Chinese army was "thrashing" Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh, and that the media wouldn't question it.

"People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra ... but they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000sqkm of Indian land, killing 20 Indian soldiers, and thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh... Don't pretend people don't know," he had said.

The Allahabad high court, on May 29, dismissed Rahul's plea challenging a summoning order and a defamation complaint. Gandhi had argued the case was lodged in mala fide manner.