New Delhi : Supreme Court lawyer Vinnet Jindal lodged complaint with the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as MP, in the wake of Court sentencing him tp two years in prison over criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The complaint cited that Rahul stands disqualified up on his conviction under the Representation of the People Act. According to sources, the Speaker has sought legal advice with regard to the lawyer’s complaint.
Surat Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Verma sentenced Rahul Gandhi for 2-year jail term over case filed by Gujarat’s BJP MLA Purnesh Modi. The case cites Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Karnataka’s Kolar during 2019 Lok Sabha elections, in which he said : “Nirmal Modi, Nirav Modi, Narendra Modi; Why do all thieves have the surname Modi?”. Purnesh Modi filed a defamation case alleging that in saying so, Rahul had insulted the entire Modi community.
Rahul Gandhi has been convicted under Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC that carries a maximum of two years in prison for criminal defamation. Rahul was present in the courtroom during the sentencing on Thursday. The court later froze execution of the verdict for 30 days, to allow Rahul time to plea the Supreme Court.
The Congress has meanwhile begun plea proceedings. Rahul will keep out of Parliament till he receives a court Stay on the verdict. If that does not happen, Rahul will stand to lose his position as MP. As per Supreme Court verdict, if a people’s representative receives two or more years in jail in a criminal case, he shall be disqualified.
