In the midst of a major political uproar over Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification after a Gujarat court sentenced him to two years in prison, Lakshwadeep MP Mohammed Faizal’s Lok Sabha membership was restored today after his conviction in a criminal case was stayed.
According to sources, Rahul Gandhi’s legal team may use this example before a higher court to try to get his conviction overturned and his Lok Sabha membership restored.
According to sources, Rahul Gandhi’s petition challenging his conviction by a court in Gujarat’s Surat may be filed today or tomorrow in a sessions court.
If the Election Commission announces dates for by-elections in Wayanad, the constituency left vacant by Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification, the Congress says it is prepared to go to court.
Mohammed Faizal, an MP from Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was sentenced to ten years in prison for attempted murder. Following his conviction, he was automatically disqualified from sitting in parliament.
The Kerala High Court stayed the sentence in January. Mr Faisal challenged the Lok Sabha secretariat’s “illegal action” in failing to withdraw his disqualification as an MP more than two months after his sentence was suspended.
Mr Faisal claims that a false case was filed against him in 2016 in connection with allegations of attempting to murder a relative of former Union Minister PM Sayeed during the 2009 elections.
