After the Supreme Court sharply rebuked Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the Indian Army, Kangana Ranaut lashes out: “He constantly speaks against India …”

On August 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of India pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making controversial remarks about the Indian Army during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. Gandhi had claimed that Chinese forces had captured 2,000 square kilometers of Indian territory and physically attacked Indian soldiers. These statements sparked a criminal defamation case filed by a former army official.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court stayed proceedings against Gandhi but expressed serious concerns over his statements. The bench asked pointedly, “Were you there? How do you know 2,000 sq km were taken?” The court also remarked, “A true Indian wouldn’t make such statements,” and advised public figures to make such allegations only in Parliament, not on social media platforms.

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Kangana Ranaut Slams Rahul Gandhi for Anti-India Remarks

Reacting to the Supreme Court’s observations, actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut launched a strong verbal attack against Rahul Gandhi. Speaking at a press event, she stated:

“He always speaks against India — whether it’s about our economy, our armed forces, or our borders. He constantly supports enemy narratives and weakens India from within. The Supreme Court’s remarks are a reminder to all those who speak carelessly about our soldiers and our country’s integrity.”

Kangana welcomed the court’s strong stance, suggesting it was time that public figures were held accountable for their words, especially when they affect the morale of the armed forces.

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BJP Leaders Join the Criticism

Several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders echoed Kangana’s views.

• Gaurav Bhatia, party spokesperson, called Rahul Gandhi’s remarks a threat to national security.
• Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT cell, went further, labelling him a “certified anti-national” and accused him of supporting foreign interests.

Both leaders demanded that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party issue a public apology, accusing him of undermining the military for political gain.

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Rahul Gandhi’s Defense in Court

Representing Rahul Gandhi, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended his client’s right to freedom of speech. Singhvi argued that Gandhi’s statements were based on media reports and were intended to raise concerns about national issues. He added that the Leader of Opposition should be able to critique government actions without facing defamation suits.

However, the Supreme Court maintained that such serious claims should be made in the right forums, and not in casual or public settings without credible proof.

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Broader Political Reactions and Legal Context

• The Allahabad High Court, in a previous ruling, had also stated that freedom of speech doesn’t extend to defaming the Indian Army.
• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis supported the Supreme Court’s stance, describing Gandhi’s comments as demoralizing and factually baseless.

These reactions suggest a larger political consensus that national security matters must be handled with responsibility and factual backing.

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Key Takeaways

Issue	Importance
SC’s rebuke to Rahul Gandhi	Sets a precedent on responsible speech
Kangana’s reaction	Reflects public figures defending national honour
Political backlash	BJP amplifies nationalist sentiment
Legal debate	Balances free speech vs. defamation laws
Institutional integrity	SC reinforces respect for the armed forces

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What to Expect Next

The Supreme Court will take up Gandhi’s Special Leave Petition (SLP) in upcoming hearings. The issue continues to spark debate over the limits of political speech, with the BJP emphasizing national pride while opposition parties question whether dissent is being silenced.

Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut’s response highlights how celebrity voices are shaping political discourse, especially on topics related to national security and patriotism.