A Special MP/MLA Court in Varanasi has set aside a 2025 order of a Magistrate’s Court that had refused to direct registration of an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks describing Lord Ram as a “mythological and fictional figure” during an interaction at Brown University in the United States. The Court has remanded the matter to the Magistrate for fresh consideration of the complaint.
The complaint was filed by Advocate Hari Shankar Pandey, who alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. The complainant had sought registration of an FIR against the Congress leader. However, in June 2025, the Magistrate’s Court rejected the plea seeking registration of an FIR.
Challenging that decision, the complainant filed a criminal revision petition before the Special MP/MLA Court. After hearing the parties, the Court reserved its order and has now allowed the revision petition, holding that the Magistrate’s order cannot be sustained and directing a fresh hearing on the complaint. The Court accordingly set aside the 2025 order and remitted the matter to the Magistrate’s Court for reconsideration in accordance with law.
The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Rahul Gandhi during a programme at Brown University in the United States, where he is stated to have referred to Lord Ram as a mythological figure. The complainant contended that the statement was offensive to the religious beliefs of Hindus and warranted criminal action.
With the revision having been allowed, the question of whether an FIR should be directed against Gandhi will now be reconsidered afresh by the Magistrate Court. The Special MP/MLA Court has not ordered registration of an FIR at this stage but has directed the lower court to hear and decide the complaint again after considering the matter on merits.