Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s grand-nephew Satyaki Savarkar has said that the Hindutva ideologue “never hated Muslims” and that his writings discussed ways for their progress. He made the statement while being cross-examined in a defamation case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The case relates to alleged remarks made by Rahul Gandhi about Savarkar during a speech in London. Satyaki has claimed that Gandhi’s comments portrayed Savarkar as an “extreme hater of Muslims” and a “mob lyncher”.
During the hearing, advocate Milind D Pawar asked Satyaki to identify the specific words in Gandhi’s alleged speech that he considered defamatory. Satyaki referred to a passage in Hindi in which Savarkar and five or six of his friends were allegedly described as having beaten a Muslim man.
Satyaki said the statement created an image of Savarkar as someone who deeply hated Muslims. Rejecting that portrayal, he told the court that Savarkar “never hated Muslims” and claimed that his writings contained ideas and methods for the progress of the community.
During the cross-examination, Satyaki also acknowledged that his own reputation was separate from that of his granduncle. He said Savarkar’s reputation in society was “certainly greater” than his own.
The proceedings also touched upon the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Advocate Pawar referred to a 2004 video and transcript of Satyaki’s grandfather Gopal Godse, in which he reportedly acknowledged that his brother Nathuram Godse was an RSS member.
Satyaki agreed that Nathuram Godse was an RSS member but referred to Gopal Godse’s statement that the RSS did not teach anyone to kill Mahatma Gandhi. Gopal Godse was a co-conspirator in Gandhi’s assassination and the younger brother of Nathuram Godse.
The court also discussed the difference between criticism of Savarkar’s historical role and allegations that could amount to a criminal offence. Satyaki said criticism based on evidence could be addressed through discussion. However, he added that, according to his understanding, a criminal offence could be committed with the intention of defaming an individual.
Earlier, during the same case proceedings, Satyaki had told the Pune court that Nathuram Godse was an active member of the RSS.
Questions were also raised regarding the Kapur Commission and its examination of the circumstances surrounding Gandhi’s assassination. Satyaki agreed that Gandhi’s assassination was a serious and violent act but disputed the suggestion that the commission was specifically established to determine Savarkar’s involvement or conspiracy in the killing.
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