Overview

• Justice Samir Jain of the Allahabad High Court dismissed Gandhi’s challenge to a Varanasi MP/MLA special court order tied to his 2024 remarks on Sikhs made in the United States.
• The decision lifts an earlier pause on proceedings, allowing the monitoring petition seeking an FIR to continue before the Varanasi MP/MLA court.
• The case stems from a petition by Varanasi resident Nageshwar Mishra, who alleges Gandhi’s comments about Sikhs’ ability to practice their faith were inflammatory and could disturb communal harmony.
• An ACJM in Varanasi had rejected the FIR request on November 28, 2024, citing the speech’s foreign venue and potential need for central sanction, but a sessions review on July 21, 2025, ordered a fresh hearing.
• Gandhi’s lawyers argued his remarks were taken out of context and did not incite violence, while Uttar Pradesh state counsel said his position as Leader of the Opposition gave the comments divisive impact.