Rahul Gandhi apologises unconditionally to SC over attributing chowkidar chor hai remarks to court

NEW DELHI: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday “apologised unconditionally” to the Supreme Court for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan to allege corruption in the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal.

These remarks were “unintentional, non-wilful and inadvertent”, Gandhi said in a short affidavit filed through lawyer Sunil Fernandes, adding that he held the court in “high esteem” and had not intended to demean it in any way.

“The deponent herein most respectfully submits that he holds this Honourable Court in the highest esteem and respect. The deponent has never sought or intended to, directly or indirectly, commit any act that interferes with the process of administration of justice.” The Congress president urged the court to accept his apology and close the contempt proceedings against him.


The contempt case against Rahul Gandhi was initiated by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi. It is being heard by a bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi.

Gandhi had earlier filed an affidavit expressing regret over mixing up his political slogan “chowkidar chor hai” with the court’s Rafale hearings in the heat of political rhetoric after the court demanded an explanation from him on the issue.

The affidavit came after a bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi at the last hearing objected to his earlier affidavit “justifying” the remarks and only expressing “regret” over the remarks attributing “chowkidar chor hai” to the court.

Now, it’s up to the court to accept Gandhi’s apology or not. The court had said at the last hearing it may or may not accept his apology. Generally, courts always accept apologies unless the person is a repeat offender.

The SC has so far exempted Gandhi from personally appearing in the case. But should it reject his plea he will have to appear in court to defend himself.

His case is being argued by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi.