A Pune court on Tuesday granted permanent exemption from appearance to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed over his alleged objectionable remarks on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, citing his top-level security and the Leader of Opposition status.

An application seeking permanent exemption from appearing before the special court for MP/MLA was moved by Advocate Milind Pawar, who is representing Gandhi (54) in the defamation case, last month.

The case, in which the Congress leader obtained bail last month, was filed by a relative of V D Savarkar.

Amol Shinde, Judicial Magistrate (First Class) presiding over the special court for MP/MLA, in his order, stated that accused is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and has to attend several meetings.

Considering that he is a “Z-plus” protectee and taking into account expenses incurred on his security arrangements (during Pune visit) and also law and order issue if he attends the hearing, the court grants permanent exemption to Gandhi from appearing in the case, said the order.

Last month, the court had given bail to Gandhi after he virtually appeared before it in the case filed on a complaint of a grandnephew of Savarkar. The complaint stemmed from a speech Gandhi gave in London in March 2023, where he made certain remarks on the freedom fighter citing a book written by him.

“Considering the facts (cited by Gandhi’s lawyer) this court finds that the accused is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He has to attend many programmes…. he is protected by Z+ security. The expenses of security are considerable. Due to law and order issue, this court finds that the accused should be granted permanent exemption from appearing in this case,” the Judge said.

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Rahul Gandh appeared before the court through video conferencing. (File)