Allahabad HC Denies Rahul Gandhi’s Plea, Case Filed for Passing Sensitive Remarks on Sikh Community

Allahabad High Court Rejects Rahul Gandhi’s Plea Challenging Varanasi Court’s Decision

Allahabad High Court has denied Rahul Gandhi’s plea over a case filed at the MP/MLA Special Court in Varanasi. The case was filed against the Congress leader for passing controversial remarks on the religious freedom of Sikhs in India. His comments implied that Sikh people do not have the freedom to practice their faith in India freely.

What Remarks did Rahul Gandhi Pass on the Indian Sikhs?

Rahul Gandhi, on his trip to the United States, raised concerns over the religious freedom of Sikhs in India. He said, “The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India; or whether he, as a Sikh, will be allowed to wear a kada in India; or whether he, as a Sikh, is allowed to go to a Gurudwara. That’s what the fight is about.”

These remarks sparked a political debate in India. A man from Varanasi named Nageshwar Mishra filed an FIR against the Congress leader. He disagreed with the Congress leader’s comments and expressed offense.

However, the chief judicial magistrate rejected his case in November 2024, saying that the speech was given in the United States and that the case fell outside its jurisdiction. Surprisingly, a few months later, the court of a special judge (MP/MLA) allowed Nageshwar Mishra’s revision plea. The special court approved this plea on 21 July 2025, and the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate was asked to go through the case afresh.

What did the Allahabad High Court Say?

As the case was approved by the MP/MLA special court in Varanasi, Rahul Gandhi went to the Allahabad High Court to challenge the special court’s order. He regarded the order as “wrong, illegal, and without jurisdiction.” However, the HC dismissed the Congress leader’s plea in the Sikh remark case.

Overall, Rahul Gandhi's comments on the religious freedom of the Sikh community in India were not appreciated by the people. As a result, a Varanasi resident filed an FIR against Gandhi in the MP/MLA special court. When Rahul Gandhi visited the Allahabad High Court to file a plea against the case, the HC refused it.