Savarkar release claim: Pune court hears Congress pressure and 1923 Kakinada resolution cited

A Pune MP/MLA special court heard Satyaki Savarkar testify that V D Savarkar was released by the British due to public pressure, including a Congress resolution at Kakinada in 1923, rather than mercy petitions. The evidence was discussed during cross-examination in Rahul Gandhi’s criminal defamation case.

Satyaki Savarkar told a Pune court that V D Savarkar was freed due to public pressure. Satyaki said the British did not release Savarkar because of mercy petitions. Satyaki, V D Savarkar’s grandnephew, linked the release to Congress action in 1923. The testimony came in a criminal defamation case involving Rahul Gandhi.

The dispute relates to remarks Rahul Gandhi made in London in March 2023. Satyaki filed the complaint in 2023, alleging those remarks defamed V D Savarkar. Satyaki has said Savarkar never wrote any such claim in any text. The case is being heard by the MP/MLA special court in Pune.

Rahul Gandhi defamation case and Savarkar mercy petitions

Satyaki was questioned by advocate Milind Pawar, who appeared for Rahul Gandhi. The cross-examination took place before Judge Amol Shinde. During it, the court was shown parts of mercy petitions said to be submitted to British authorities. Satyaki was asked about what the petitions stated. Satyaki did not confirm that Savarkar wrote the text.

"I dont know that the contents of the above petition are written by Savarkar. I cannot say that Savarkar requested to be released on any condition in his mercy petition. I cannot say that Savarkar had requested the British government to release him on the condition that he would not participate in any political and revolutionary movement, Satyaki said.\"

Satyaki also made a separate statement about the reason for Savarkar’s release. \"Witness voluntarily states that Savarkar was not released because of the petitions he sent.\" Satyaki said wider political pressure grew as Savarkar’s support increased. Satyaki told the court that this pressure shaped the British decision.

Congress resolution and Savarkar release claims

Satyaki pointed to a Congress resolution from 1923 that called for Savarkar’s release. Satyaki said the resolution came at the Kakinada Congress session. Satyaki said Mohammad Ali Johar was the president of that session. Satyaki said the call for release added to public pressure on the British.

Satyaki added a comment linking this episode to other freedom fighters. Satyaki said a similar Congress resolution could have affected later events. Satyaki remarked that action before the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev might have changed outcomes. Satyaki said, \"their execution would have been avoided.\"

Rahul Gandhi London speech and Savarkar writings

According to the complaint, Rahul Gandhi spoke in London in March 2023. Satyaki has alleged that Rahul Gandhi falsely claimed Savarkar wrote about assaulting a Muslim man. Satyaki has alleged the claim included deriving pleasure from the act. Satyaki has maintained that Savarkar made no such statement in any writing.

The court proceedings continued with the focus on what Savarkar wrote and what was attributed to Savarkar. Satyaki’s testimony highlighted the 1923 Congress resolution and public pressure. The hearing also recorded Satyaki’s lack of confirmation about the mercy petition wording. The case remains tied to the London speech and the defamation allegation.

With inputs from PTI