Rahul Gandhi's 'Pickpocket' Remark: Delhi HC Presses Election Commission for Action

In response to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's controversial remarks labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and businessman Gautam Adani as 'pickpockets,' the Delhi High Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action against him "in accordance with the law." While acknowledging that the statements were in poor taste, the court has given the constitutional body a timeframe of eight weeks to execute the necessary measures.

Court's Observations and Disposal of the Matter

The Delhi High Court, deeming the statements as distasteful, emphasized that it would not prolong the issue as the ECI was already addressing the matter. The court stated, "Though the statements are not in good taste, yet as the ECI is acting in the matter, the court will not like to keep the matter pending. The same is disposed of," as per the court order.

Court Directs Action After Gandhi's Non-Compliance with ECI Notice

The court's directive to take action against Rahul Gandhi came after it was brought to its attention that although the ECI had issued a notice to him on November 23, stating it would act if he did not respond before November 26, Gandhi failed to provide a reply.

However, the court did not specify the nature of the action the Election Commission should take against the Congress MP.

Details of Election Commission's Notice

Last month, the Election Commission had issued a show-cause notice to Rahul Gandhi on November 23 in response to his 'panauti and pickpocket' remarks against PM Modi. The notice required him to respond before November 26.

While the BJP criticized Gandhi's language, stating it was unbecoming of a senior leader, the EC's notice reminded him that making unverified allegations against political rivals was not allowed under the Model Code of Conduct.

Gandhi's allegation that the BJP government granted waivers of ₹14,00,000 crore to industrialists was contested by the BJP in its complaint to the Election Commission, stating it was not borne out of facts.

The Election Commission's notice considered the term "panauti" falling within the prohibition of section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, dealing with corrupt practices. The notice invoked the Supreme Court's observation that the right to reputation is an inextricable part of the right to life protected by Article 21, and it called for Gandhi's explanation on the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The notice stipulated a deadline of November 25 for Gandhi to respond, with action to be taken by the commission if no reply was received by then.

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