The Supreme Court on Monday sharply questioned Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his controversial claim that China had occupied 2,000 sq km of Indian territory. The court asked Gandhi how he verified such information and whether it was appropriate to make such remarks outside Parliament.

“If you are a true Indian, you wouldn’t say this,” observed a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih during the hearing. The statement came in response to Gandhi’s alleged remarks made in Arunachal Pradesh during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022.

The bench further questioned, “Why do you say these things on social media? You are the Leader of Opposition. Say it in Parliament.”

Despite the stern words, the top court granted interim relief to Gandhi by staying criminal defamation proceedings initiated against him. It also issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant in the case.

Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, defended the Congress leader’s statements as being based on reports already available in the public domain. “If he can’t say things that are already published in the press, then how can he function as Leader of Opposition?” Singhvi asked.