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Pune: In a case of alleged objectionable remarks on Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi was granted permanent exemption from appearance by a Pune court. The court granted it, citing his top-level security and the Leader of the Opposition status.
An application seeking permanent exemption from appearing before the special court for MP/MLA was moved by Advocate Milind Pawar, who is representing Gandhi (54) in the defamation case, last month.
The case, in which the Congress leader obtained bail last month, was filed by a relative of Savarkar.
Amol Shinde, Judicial Magistrate (First Class) presiding over the special court for MP/MLA, stated in his order that the accused is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and has to attend several meetings.
Considering that he is a "Z-plus" protectee and taking into account expenses incurred on his security arrangements (during the Pune visit) and also the law and order issue if he attends the hearing, the court grants permanent exemption to Gandhi from appearing in the case, said the order.
Last month, the court had given bail to Gandhi after he virtually appeared before it in the case filed on a complaint of a grandnephew of Savarkar. The complaint stemmed from a speech Gandhi gave in London in March 2023, where he made certain remarks about the freedom fighter, citing a book written by him.
"Considering the facts (cited by Gandhi's lawyer), this court finds that the accused is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He has to attend many programmes, and he is protected by Z+ security. The expenses of security are considerable. Due to law and order issue, this court finds that the accused should be granted permanent exemption from appearing in this case," the Judge said.