10 mercy petitions didn't affect Savarkar's 'Veer' title: Grandnephew
What's the story
Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has defended the "Veer" (brave) title conferred on his granduncle by the public. This defense was made in a Pune court during a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The case stems from a speech Gandhi delivered in London in March 2023, where he allegedly referred to Savarkar's writings to claim that he and others had assaulted a Muslim man and found the act pleasurable.
Court proceedings
Savarkar was called 'Veer' even in jail: Satyaki
During the June 15 hearing, Gandhi's lawyer, advocate Milind Pawar, questioned Satyaki about why Savarkar is called "Veer." Pawar referred to the series of mercy petitions Savarkar addressed to British authorities. Satyaki replied that official records and publications of the Gadar organization show Savarkar was called "Veer" even in jail. He admitted Savarkar filed 10 mercy petitions but denied this contradicted his bravery.
Counsel
Savarkar filed petition within first month of being sentenced
"It is true to say that Savarkar had filed a clemency petition 10 times....that Savarkar was referred to as 'Veer' even when he submitted clemency petitions 10 times." "It is true to say that revolutionists from that same period— Rajguru, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Ashfaqulla Khan— did not file a clemency petition. It is true to say that Savarkar filed a mercy petition within the first month after being sentenced," Satyaki said.
Defense stance
Titles like 'Veer' given by people: Satyaki
Satyaki argued that titles like 'Veer,' 'Swatantryaveer,' 'Mahatma,' or 'Netaji' are given by people for extraordinary work, not formal legal designations. When asked about other revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt who didn't seek concessions, Satyaki said, "I was unaware that Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt had petitioned the British government, demanding to be treated as prisoners of war and refusing any concessions." He said it's true they remained steadfast in their ideology until the very end.
Legal defense
Advocate read parts of a 1913 mercy petition
Advocate Pawar also read parts of a 1913 mercy petition where Savarkar described harsh prison conditions and sought relief. In that petition, Savarkar said he would follow a constitutional path and remain loyal to the British if released. Pawar cited this to challenge Satyaki's portrayal of Savarkar as a brave revolutionary. Satyaki said filing such petitions was a recognized legal route under British rule, adding other prisoners also used this. He maintained Savarkar's plea sought relief for long-term prisoners too.
Accusations made
Plea seeks Gandhi's conviction for criminal defamation
Satyaki has accused Gandhi of making factually incorrect and misleading remarks that distort history and damage Savarkar's reputation. The plea seeks Gandhi's conviction for criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code and damages. In a previous hearing on June 1, Satyaki was questioned about his public programs on Savarkar, including the "Har Ghar Savarkar" campaign. Judicial magistrate Amol Shinde will continue hearing the case on July 1, 2026.