In a setback for Rahul Gandhi, the Gujarat High Court has denied his request to stay his conviction in a defamation case related to his 2019 remark about the Modi surname. The court deemed the conviction to be “just, proper, and legal,” leading to the continuation of Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP).
Following the High Court’s decision, Rahul Gandhi has expressed his intention to approach the Supreme Court. With his disqualification upheld, it is unlikely that he will regain his seat in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament commencing on July 20. If the Supreme Court also rejects his plea, Rahul Gandhi’s chances of contesting the next year’s elections will be jeopardized.
It is important to note that Rahul Gandhi will not face imprisonment as his two-year sentence had previously been put on hold by a court. However, the Gujarat High Court cited another defamation case filed against him by the grandson of Vinayak “Veer” Savarkar, underscoring the need for “purity in politics.” The court highlighted that a complaint was filed after Rahul Gandhi made derogatory remarks against Veer Savarkar at Cambridge.
The High Court emphasized that there were multiple pending cases against Rahul Gandhi, and he was seeking a stay on non-existent grounds. The judge asserted that a “stay on conviction is not a rule” and found no reasonable grounds to halt the conviction, deeming it just, proper, and legal.
Rahul Gandhi, aged 53, was handed a rare two-year sentence in a defamation case on March 23, 2019, for his comments during the Lok Sabha campaign. The case was filed by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi, who took offense to Rahul Gandhi’s statement, “How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?” As a result, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from his position as the Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad in Kerala.
Despite challenging the order and seeking suspension of his conviction, the Surat sessions court refused to stay the conviction while granting him bail. Subsequently, Rahul Gandhi approached the Gujarat High Court, which has now rejected his plea.
Today’s decision poses a significant blow to the Congress party as it strategizes for upcoming elections, including the highly anticipated 2024 national election. The party will need to reassess its plans and consider the implications of Rahul Gandhi’s continued disqualification.
It is noteworthy that the Gujarat High Court had previously deferred its final decision on Rahul Gandhi’s case until after the court’s summer vacation. The recent ruling marks the conclusion of this legal battle.
As the legal process continues, the fate of Rahul Gandhi’s political career hangs in the balance, with implications not only for him but also for the constituency he represents.
Sources By Agencies
