August 6, 2023
In a recent development, the Indian National Congress party has intensified its efforts to restore Rahul Gandhi’s status as a member of the Lok Sabha, following the Supreme Court’s stay on his conviction in a 2019 defamation case. The case was filed by BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Purnesh Modi over remarks made by Gandhi during a poll rally in Karnataka.
Supreme Court Stay
On Friday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court temporarily halted the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case.
The case stemmed from Gandhi’s statement, “How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?” The court stated that while the remarks may not have been in good taste, individuals in public life are expected to exercise caution when making public speeches.
The court’s decision to stay the conviction is aimed at ensuring that the order remains pending until the final adjudication of the case.
Subsequent to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to demand the immediate restoration of Rahul Gandhi’s position as a Lok Sabha member.
Ramesh questioned why Gandhi’s membership had not yet been reinstated despite the court’s decision, and speculated whether the delay was due to political motivations. He also raised the issue of a potential No Confidence Motion and Gandhi’s participation therein.
Congress demands Lok Sabha Seat Restoration
Adding to the Congress party’s demand for swift action, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, revealed that he had personally reached out to Speaker Om Birla to urgently restore Rahul Gandhi’s membership.
Chowdhury claimed to have spoken with the Speaker and had been advised to submit the required documents to the office of the secretary general.
However, he faced hurdles due to the office being closed at the time. Despite this, Chowdhury asserted that the Congress was committed to ensuring Gandhi’s smooth return to the Lok Sabha.
The Congress party has criticized the delay in restoring Gandhi’s membership, given the Supreme Court’s decision to stay his conviction.
Party members have emphasized the importance of having Gandhi return to the House, especially when the court has granted him relief in the defamation case. The delay in restoring his membership has raised questions about the intent behind the move.
As the political debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the legal proceedings unfold smoothly and that due process is followed in restoring Rahul Gandhi’s position as a Lok Sabha member.
The Congress party’s vocal demand for swift action reflects the urgency it attaches to this matter, as it navigates the legal and political landscape in pursuit of its objective.
