The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the conviction of Congress leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case over the “why all thieves have Modi surname” remark. With the stay of his conviction, Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as MP also now remains in abeyance.
The top court said that the trial court did not give reason to justify maximum sentence of two years to Rahul which resulted in his diqualification as MP.
“Ramifications of the trial court’s order are wide. Not only was Rahul Gandhi’s right to continue in public life affected but also that of the electorate who elected him,” the apex court said. It was hearing an appeal filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenging Gujarat high court order which declined to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his ‘Modi surname’ remarks.
The Supreme Court, however, observed that the statement made by Rahul was not in good taste and people holding public office should maintain restrain and caution.
“There is no doubt that utterances are not in good taste, person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. He (Rahul Gandhi) ought to have been more careful, the top court added.
The Congress hailed the Supreme Court ruling staying Rahul’s conviction calling the judgment a strong vindication of truth and asserting that “no force can silence the voice of the people”. The party described it as a “victory of love over hate”.