Delhi HC asks EC to act in 8 weeks against Rahul Gandhi for his 'pickpocket' jibe at PM Modi

The Delhi High Court Thursday said Rahul Gandhi alleged “pickpocket” jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi made during a speech last month was “not in a good taste,” and asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to act against the Congress MP. The High Court has asked the ECI to take a decision as expeditiously as possible, preferably within eight weeks, on a notice sent it has issued to Gandhi remark against PM Modi. A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan observed that although the alleged statements are “not in good taste”, the poll body was examining the matter and has even issued a notice to Gandhi. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking action against Gandhi as well as formulation of guidelines to prevent such “malpractice” by political leaders. “Considering that deadline for filing reply is over and no reply has been received, the court directs EC 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 Election Commission itself said it will 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”. Issuing the notice, the ECI reminded the Congress leader that the Model Code of Conduct prohibits him from making unverified allegations against political rivals. In a rally last month, Gandhi had claimed that PM means ‘Panauti Modi’ suggesting that the Indian team had lost the World Cup final against Australia as Prime Minister Modi was present in the stadium. The BJP had reacted sharply against Gandhi’s remark and had called him “mandbudhi”, shameless and anti-national. Addressing another another election rally in November, Gandhi had said, “Pickpockets always come in groups of three. He never comes alone. The first person tries to distract you by saying something unconventional. Then comes the second person, his colleague, who picks the pocket and the third person keeps a watch on the victim. He particularly monitors the victim to see if he is resisting. If he does resist, then the third person attacks and threatens the victim. This is the way pickpockets operate…" With inputs from PTI