Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s petition challenging a Varanasi special court’s order that had accepted a revision petition against him over controversial remarks he made about the Sikh community during a 2024 visit to the United States. This decision paves the way for the case to proceed in the Varanasi MP/MLA Court.
The controversy stems from a statement Gandhi allegedly made during his US tour, suggesting that Sikhs in India are not allowed to wear turbans or the kara (steel bracelet) and are not permitted to enter gurdwaras. These remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing them as provocative and divisive.
Following the remarks, Nageshwar Mishra, a resident of Varanasi, approached the court seeking the registration of an FIR against Gandhi. Initially, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) in Varanasi rejected the application, citing jurisdictional issues since the speech was delivered abroad. However, the MP/MLA Special Court in Varanasi overturned this decision on July 21, 2025, directing the ACJM to reconsider the matter.
Gandhi challenged this order in the Allahabad High Court, arguing that the special court’s directive was “wrong, illegal, and without jurisdiction.” The High Court, after hearing arguments from all parties, dismissed the petition, allowing the case to proceed in the Varanasi court.
