The Supreme Court’s sharp statement suggesting that a “true Indian” would not say certain things sparked strong pushback from the Congress party. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra swiftly countered that judges cannot determine someone’s Indianness and highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s duty as Leader of the Opposition to question government actions. She emphasized his respect for the armed forces and rejected the narrative as a misinterpretation.

This controversy arises from Rahul’s remarks during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he alleged Chinese occupation of Indian territory. The Court queried the credibility of his claims, asking how he obtained such data. It stayed defamation proceedings but made its disapproval known.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate and other INDIA bloc leaders criticized the Court for overstepping democratic norms. She said the bench’s observation was an “extraordinary” commentary on the democratic rights of political parties. Jairam Ramesh highlighted how dismissal of concerns about China’s incursions skates over a broader debate.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that Rahul Gandhi has prima facie support from the court and also emphasized that complex legal statements on social media should not be misinterpreted. At the same time, Ashok Gehlot, Karti Chidambaram and other leaders questioned whether Indian citizens are being prevented from raising issues related to national security?

In fact, this incident has launched a sharp debate about freedom of expression, political accountability and right to decide who is "true Indian" in India's democracy.