The Delhi High Court on Thursday has instructed the Election Commission of India to expedite its decision, preferably within 8 weeks, regarding a notice issued to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The notice was related to his alleged “pickpocket” remark directed at PM Narendra Modi during a speech delivered last month.
The court, addressing a PIL seeking action against Gandhi and the formulation of guidelines to prevent such actions by political leaders, was presided over by a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan.
The bench acknowledged that while the alleged statements were “not in good taste,” the Election Commission was actively examining the matter and had issued a notice to Gandhi.
While highlighting that the deadline for filing a reply passed without receiving one, the court directed the EC to promptly resolve the matter, ideally within 8 weeks.
The bench, which also included Justice Mini Pushkarna, emphasized that in the notice dated November 23, the poll panel itself committed to taking appropriate action in the matter.
Bharat Nagar, the petitioner, informed the high court that on November 22, Gandhi made a speech making “heinous allegations” against individuals holding the “highest governmental positions,” including the prime minister, whom he referred to as a “pickpocket.”
