Former Kerala DGP summoned by court over remarks on Rahul Gandhi

A court in Mavelikkara has ordered former Director General of Police R. Sreelekha to appear in person on December 2 in a criminal defamation case. The case relates to controversial remarks she allegedly made about Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a public meeting in Punalur on October 14. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary K.P. Sreekumar filed the case against Ms. Sreelekha. She had spoken at an event organised by the BJP Kollam East District Committee to support the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. During her speech, she allegedly claimed that Mr. Gandhi took part in a protest in Delhi while high on substances. The Punalur police had earlier registered a case against her under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly provoking people with the intent to cause a riot, following multiple complaints to the State Police Chief. After the backlash, Ms. Sreelekha defended her comments by accusing the State government of having double standards regarding insults aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Gandhi.

Context

Criminal defamation is a legal step that public figures or ordinary citizens can take when someone makes false statements that harm their reputation. Public speeches by politicians and former officials often face strict legal scrutiny in India, particularly when remarks target high-profile national leaders. Courts handle such complaints by issuing summons to check facts and hear both sides before deciding the next legal steps.