The court was hearing a PIL seeking action against Gandhi, as well as formulation of guidelines to prevent such malpractice.
Published Dec 21, 2023 | 8:52 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 21, 2023 | 8:52 PM
Rahul Gandhi. (Facebook)
The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, 21 December, asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take a decision as expeditiously as possible, preferably within eight weeks, on a notice it has issued to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged “pickpocket” jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi made during a speech delivered last month.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking action against Gandhi, 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 were “not in good taste”, the ECI was examining the matter and had even issued a notice to Gandhi.
“Considering that the deadline for filing reply is over and no reply has been received, the court directs ECI to decide the matter as expeditiously as possible preferably within eight weeks,” the Bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkarna, ordered.
The court noted that in the notice sent on 23 November, the poll panel itself said it would take appropriate action in the matter.
Petitioner Bharat Nagar told the high court that Gandhi made a speech on 22 November levelling “heinous allegations” against individuals holding “highest governmental positions”, including the Prime Minister and referred to him as a “pick-pocket”.
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