In a notable legal development, a Varanasi MP-MLA court has dismissed a petition filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his controversial comments referring to Lord Ram as a 'mythological and fictional figure' during a speech at Brown University in the United States. The plea, lodged on May 12, 2025, by Advocate Harishankar Pandey, was declared non-maintainable by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neeraj Kumar Tripathi.

This incident has stirred yet another wave of political and religious debate in India, especially among the followers of Sanatan Dharma, who regard Lord Ram as a divine and historical figure rather than a mere symbol from mythology.

Court’s Reasoning Behind the Dismissal

The Varanasi court, while addressing the complaint, referred to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, a recently enacted legal code that governs certain procedural aspects of the criminal justice system. According to the court, cases of this nature—especially when filed against public representatives—require prior sanction or permission from either the central government, state government, or the district magistrate.

Since Advocate Harishankar Pandey did not obtain the required permissions, the court found the petition procedurally flawed and thus non-maintainable. However, the dismissal does not preclude future legal action on the same matter. Pandey has already expressed his intention to approach the district magistrate to secure permission and refile the petition accordingly.

The Nature of the Allegations

The case revolves around Rahul Gandhi’s remarks during an interaction at Brown University in the USA, where he engaged in a discussion on Indian traditions, political ideologies, and the essence of Hinduism. During his speech, Gandhi referred to Lord Ram and other revered Indian icons as “mythological figures”. His exact words included:

“All are mythological figures. Lord Ram was of that time, where he was forgiving, he was compassionate.”

He further elaborated on his interpretation of Indian tradition by citing personalities like Jyotirao Phule, B. R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Guru Nanak, and Basava, arguing that they all promoted values like truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa).

However, according to Harishankar Pandey, these statements constitute hate speech that “deeply hurt the sentiments” of Hindus, especially those who revere Lord Ram as an avatar of Vishnu. The complaint cited a pattern of behavior by Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, alleging repeated insults to Sanatan Dharma and its associated figures.

Pandey’s legal filing demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code that pertain to religious insult, public mischief, and hate speech.

Background of Political Tensions

The political climate surrounding Rahul Gandhi has been contentious in recent years, particularly after his public remarks against freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, which drew criticism and a reprimand from the Supreme Court. The Congress leader’s commentary on religious themes and icons often provokes sharp responses from BJP leaders and right-wing organizations.

In this context, Gandhi’s reference to Lord Ram as a “mythological and fictional figure” is being interpreted by his critics as a continuation of this pattern of alleged irreverence towards Hindu traditions.

Supporters of Gandhi argue that his remarks were academic in nature, intended to highlight the moral and ethical dimensions of ancient figures rather than deny their cultural or religious significance.

Reactions from Political Circles

The dismissal of the plea has invoked mixed reactions:

• Congress leaders have welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a vindication of free speech and an example of due process prevailing over political vendetta.

• On the other hand, Hindutva groups and several BJP functionaries have expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, demanding that the state apparatus take cognizance of what they perceive as a deliberate insult to a revered religious figure.

Several BJP leaders on social media highlighted what they termed as “double standards”, arguing that if similar comments were made about figures from other religions, the response would have been more severe and immediate.

Legal and Social Implications

This case highlights the complexities of free speech, religious sentiment, and legal boundaries in the Indian socio-political ecosystem. The BNSS 2023, which replaces earlier colonial-era criminal procedure laws, now adds an additional procedural hurdle for individuals seeking legal action against elected representatives or public figures.

The requirement of prior permission before filing such petitions is aimed at preventing misuse of the legal system for political gains, but critics argue that it may also serve as a shield for powerful individuals from legal scrutiny.

What’s Next?

Advocate Harishankar Pandey has declared that he will approach the district magistrate for the necessary approval and refile the complaint. If such permission is granted, the matter could once again return to the court for reconsideration.

Whether this leads to any legal consequences for Rahul Gandhi remains to be seen. For now, the Congress leader continues to defend his statements, asserting that his interpretations reflect the inclusive and philosophical nature of Indian tradition, rather than an attempt to offend religious sentiments.

Conclusion

The dismissal of the plea by the Varanasi MP-MLA court provides a temporary respite to Rahul Gandhi, but the issue remains politically sensitive and socially charged. With upcoming state and national elections, such remarks and the legal battles surrounding them are likely to remain in the spotlight. As the legal system navigates new procedural frameworks like the BNSS 2023, public discourse around religious sensitivity and freedom of speech continues to evolve in contemporary India.

This incident underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs, and how that balance is interpreted by courts, politicians, and the general public in one of the world’s most diverse democracies.

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