New Delhi: In a significant turn of events, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s political fortunes have taken a positive twist on Monday. His parliamentary membership has been reinstated after the Supreme Court temporarily suspended his conviction in a 2019 defamation case. The case revolved around his ‘Modi surname’ remarks, which had sparked controversy.
The restoration of his Lok Sabha membership has sparked celebrations among party members and supporters, marking a crucial moment in his political journey.
Reversal of disqualification
A notification issued by the Lok Sabha secretariat confirmed the revocation of Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as a Lok Sabha member. This decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case.
Lok Sabha Secretariat restores membership of Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi after the Supreme Court on Friday (August 4) stayed his conviction in the ‘Modi’ surname remark case.
He was disqualified from the lower house in March 2023. pic.twitter.com/UBE3FvCGEN
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023
Celebrations erupt at Congress headquarters
As soon as the news of Rahul Gandhi’s restored parliamentary membership spread, jubilant celebrations erupted both at the party headquarters and outside the residence of Congress stalwart Sonia Gandhi.
#WATCH | Celebrations underway outside 10 Janpath in Delhi as Lok Sabha Secretariat restores Lok Sabha membership of party leader Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/piqBayhKWS
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023
Legal battle and suspension of conviction
The Supreme Court’s intervention followed a legal battle in which Rahul Gandhi sought relief from his conviction in the defamation case. On August 4, the apex court suspended his conviction, which automatically led to the reinstatement of his parliamentary seat.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted a video on Twitter in which he can be seen offering sweets to leaders of Congress and other opposition parties. The video was captioned, “The decision to reinstate Shri Rahul Gandhi as an MP is a welcome step. It brings relief to the people of India, and especially to Wayanad. Whatever time is left of their tenure, BJP and Modi Govt should utilise that by concentrating on actual governance rather than denigrating Democracy by targeting opposition leaders.”
The decision to reinstate Shri @RahulGandhi as an MP is a welcome step.
It brings relief to the people of India, and especially to Wayanad.
Whatever time is left of their tenure, BJP and Modi Govt should utilise that by concentrating on actual governance rather than… pic.twitter.com/kikcZqfFvn
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 7, 2023
Judicial scrutiny, reasons for conviction
The Supreme Court noted that the trial judge in the Surat court had not adequately provided reasons for imposing the maximum sentence of two years. This scrutiny led to the temporary suspension of the conviction.
Why was Rahul Gandhi disqualified?
Rahul Gandhi, who has been serving as an MP from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala since 2019, was disqualified in March this year following his conviction. The disqualification had temporarily halted his parliamentary participation.
Defamation Case: What transpired?
The defamation case stemmed from Rahul Gandhi’s remark during an election rally in Kolar, Karnataka, where he questioned, “How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?” This comment led to a legal battle with former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi.
Legal maneuvers and the Supreme Court plea
After the Gujarat High Court upheld the session court’s refusal to suspend his conviction, Rahul Gandhi filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging this order. The plea aimed to contest the Gujarat High Court’s decision and seek relief from the conviction.
Rahul Gandhi’s restored parliamentary membership marks a turning point in his political journey. The Supreme Court’s decision to stay his conviction has not only rejuvenated his political prospects but also intensified the legal debate surrounding his ‘Modi surname’ remarks. As celebrations ensue among his supporters, the nation waits to witness how this development impacts the political landscape.
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