LI Network
Published on: 5 August 2023 at 15:55 IST
The Supreme Court has stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case related to his remark on the Modi surname.
The court’s decision, which comes without any specific reasons given for imposing the maximum sentence, holds significant implications for his constituents’ electoral rights.
The court’s ruling allows Rahul Gandhi to continue his duties as a Member of Parliament, safeguarding the idea of India, while the conviction remains stayed.
The court highlighted that the provisions pertaining to disqualification would not have been applicable even if the sentence was lesser, considering the non-cognizable, bailable, and compoundable nature of the offense.
Rahul Gandhi expressed gratitude for the support he received and emphasized his commitment to his work and the clarity in his mind regarding his responsibilities as an MP. He believes that truth always prevails, whether it be today or tomorrow.
The Gujarat court’s swift action in disqualifying Rahul Gandhi within 24 hours of his conviction raised questions about the time it would take to reinstate him to the Lok Sabha, especially considering the proximity of the Supreme Court to Parliament.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged that Rahul’s utterances were not in good taste but stressed that the court’s order did not give him a clean chit, as he is still guilty of making comments against the OBC community.
While the Supreme Court has stayed his conviction, it has not acquitted him of the charges. The court’s decision affects not only Rahul Gandhi’s political future but also the rights of the electorate that elected him as their representative.