In a setback to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Delhi High Court on Thursday said his speech given on November 22, in which he allegedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a pickpocket, was “not in good taste”. The court has asked the Election Commission of India to decide the matter within eight weeks.
#BreakingNews: Big setback for Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at Delhi High Court over comments against PM Modi; HC gives directive to poll body@anany_b shares details | @AnushaSoni23#RahulGandhi #Congress #DelhiHighCourt pic.twitter.com/IlAseJmLvU— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 21, 2023
On November 23, a day after the speech, the poll body had issued a notice to Gandhi over the alleged jibe. The high court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking action against the Congress leader as well as formulation of guidelines to prevent such “malpractice” by political leaders.
A bench headed by acting Chief Justice Manmohan observed that although the alleged statements are “not in good taste”, the EC is examining the matter and has even issued a notice to Gandhi. “Considering that deadline for filing reply is over and no reply has been received, the court directs EC to decide the matter as expeditiously as possible preferably within 8 weeks,” the bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkarna, ordered.
The court noted that in the notice sent on November 23, the poll panel itself said it will take appropriate action in the matter.
Petitioner Bharat Nagar told the HC that in his speech, Gandhi levelled “heinous allegations” against individuals holding “highest governmental positions”, including the prime minister, and referred to him as a “pickpocket”.
(With PTI inputs)
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