New Delhi : The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notification on Friday disqualifying MP Rahul from Lok Sabha as its member. The ouster comes a day after Rahul was convicted with 2-year prison term for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The disqualification takes effect from the moment of conviction i.e. since Thursday noon. With this, Rahul will no longer be able to enter Lok Sabha or partake in its activities.
Backdrop: The case revolves around 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.
