Rahul Gandhi vs State of Maharashtra — Defamation case regarding Savarkar remarks

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, was accused of making defamatory remarks about Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar. A criminal defamation complaint and summons were issued by a Lucknow magistrate. The Supreme Court quashed the complaint and summons on August 14, 2026, after the Uttar Pradesh government failed to produce the requisite sanction for prosecution.

Rahul Gandhi was convicted of criminal defamation by a Surat court for remarks made about the 'Modi' surname. The Supreme Court of India subsequently stayed his conviction, noting that the two-year sentence imposed was excessive.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has filed a civil defamation suit before the Bengaluru City Civil and Sessions Court against 42 media organizations. The suit seeks an ex parte interim injunction to restrain the media from airing or publishing allegations related to an alleged honey-trap sting operation intended to force his resignation.