Prayagraj

The Allahabad High Court on Friday directed that Rahul Gandhi’s plea against an order remanding the FIR against him be reconsidered afresh by the magistrate court. The case involves the Congress leader’s alleged remarks in the US regarding the situation for Sikhs in India. Justice Sameer Jain heard the plea filed by Gandhi challenging the earlier proceedings.

The controversy began when Nageshwar Mishra of Varanasi filed an application before the MP/MLA magistrate court in Varanasi seeking registration of an FIR. Mishra claimed that during a program in September 2024, Gandhi stated that the environment in India was unfavorable for Sikhs. According to him, Gandhi’s remarks provoked protests and created societal tension.

Initially, the magistrate court rejected the FIR, stating the speech was made in the US and was beyond its jurisdiction. Mishra challenged this decision before the special MP/MLA sessions court, which remanded the matter back to the magistrate to decide afresh.

Senior Advocate Gopal Chaturvedi, representing Gandhi, argued that Mishra’s application did not specify the date of the alleged statement. Additional Advocate General Manish Goel countered, saying the High Court must examine whether the magistrate should consider the matter, noting that Gandhi’s statements abroad could be investigated further as a potential issue of national concern.

The High Court’s order ensures that the magistrate court will now review the FIR application properly, clarifying procedural and jurisdictional questions before any further action.