In a dramatic hearing that brought the corridors of the Supreme Court abuzz, a sharp exchange unfolded as the apex court took strong exception to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement alleging Chinese occupation of Indian territory. The court rebuked the remark with the stinging observation: “If you’re a true Indian, you wouldn’t say this.”

The comment from the bench came while hearing a plea related to national security and political accountability. Though the original petition did not directly pertain to Gandhi’s remarks, the issue was brought into focus when government counsel cited “irresponsible political commentary” that allegedly undermines national morale and endangers sensitive foreign relations.

Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly alleged, both inside and outside Parliament, that “China has occupied Indian land in Ladakh,” referring to developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) post the 2020 Galwan clash. He has consistently questioned the government’s stance on border intrusions and demanded transparency on disengagement efforts.

While the government has maintained that “not an inch of Indian territory has been ceded,” Gandhi’s statements have drawn rebuke from both ministers and now — for the first time — the judiciary.

During the hearing, the bench led by Justice Surya Kant, with Justice Dipankar Datta, took judicial notice of the political statements. In a rare and pointed remark, the court said:

“If you are a responsible citizen, if you’re truly Indian, then you must speak with a sense of duty. These statements may have a domestic political angle, but they have international consequences.”

The court further cautioned political leaders against “weaponising national security concerns for electoral mileage.”

While the court did not pass any formal direction against Rahul Gandhi, it warned all political stakeholders to refrain from “making statements that can be used against the country on foreign soil.”

Although no contempt or defamation proceedings were initiated, the court’s oral remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political discourse. The BJP welcomed the court’s observations, accusing Gandhi of “speaking China’s language,” while the Congress defended its leader, asserting that “raising concerns about national security is not anti-national.”

Legal experts view the court’s intervention as “unprecedented but not unexpected,” given the rising trend of public interest litigations intersecting with political speech.