In the ongoing criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Savarkar, the Special MP/MLA Court in Pune on Wednesday took note of a pursis (written submission) filed by Gandhi’s counsel expressing fears of personal harm and undue political pressure.

Advocate Milind Pawar, representing Gandhi, stated that these apprehensions have intensified following Gandhi’s public stand against alleged “vote theft.” The submission pointed to BJP leader R.N. Bittu branding Gandhi a “terrorist” and another BJP leader, Tarvinder Marwah, openly warning that Gandhi could “meet the same fate as his grandmother” if he did not “behave.”

The pursis further referred to the complainant Satyaki’s familial links to both the Savarkar and Godse families, arguing that such connections could enable the misuse of political and ideological influence.

“In light of the documented history of violent and anti-constitutional tendencies linked to the complainant’s lineage, and considering the current political climate, there exists a substantial and reasonable apprehension that Gandhi may face physical harm, wrongful implication, or other forms of targeting by adherents of Vinayak Savarkar’s ideology,” it read.

While reiterating Gandhi’s faith in the judiciary, the defence urged the court to remain alert to the “forces, influences, and extraordinary circumstances” surrounding the case. It further alleged that the complainant himself has claimed descent from associates of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassins, cautioning that “history must not be permitted to repeat itself.”

The submission accused followers of the complainant’s ideological predecessors of spreading caste and religious hatred, manipulating elections, and advancing the interests of certain industrialists over the welfare of the poor.

“Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, continues to oppose such policies and advocate for the rights of the poor and marginalised. Accordingly, it cannot be ruled out that caste-based extremists, politically motivated industrialists, Hindutva supporters, and those seeking to undermine constitutional governance may harbour animosity towards him,” the pursis stated.

The plea concluded by warning that the complainant could attempt to exploit the prevailing political atmosphere to exert undue influence over the court’s proceedings.