disqualification

The Lok Sabha Secretariat revoked the disqualification of NCP MP Mohammad Faizal Padippura from Lok Sabha.

The development comes three days after the apex court on 4th August stayed Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his Modi surname remark. The apex court had also restored his status as a member of Parliament.

The Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad police has been directed to immediately arrest Imran Khan.

The court said that it will have to hear the other side of the case as well. It has given a time of 10 days to the complainant to file a written response to Rahul Gandhi's petition.

Rahul Gandhi contended in his plea that penalising him for what he termed minor defamation charges deprives the constituents of their voice in Parliament and their ability to participate in democratic governance.

Rahul Gandhi may now go to a larger bench of the Gujarat High Court or the Supreme Court. If they overturn the verdict or even reduce the sentence, his disqualification will be withdrawn.

The criminal defamation case was filed over a remark made by Rahul Gandhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha campaign. Referring to persons like Lalit Modi, and Nirav Modi, Rahul Gandhi had asked "Why do all thieves have the Modi surname?."

Afzal Ansari won from the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 by defeating incumbent Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

"Listen, Justice H Varma, when Congress comes to power, we will chop off your tongue," said Congress leader Manikandan in Tamil Nadu

Priyanka Gandhi, Chief Minister of Congress-ruled states and other senior Congress leader had accompanied Rahul Gandhi.