National Desk, 23rd November: The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi, seeking a response by November 25, 2023, regarding his recent comments made at a public meeting in Bayatu, District Barmer, Rajasthan. The notice follows a complaint by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing Gandhi of making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which allegedly violate legal provisions, including the Model Code of Conduct and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The BJP’s complaint specifically points to the use of terms like “Jaibkatra” (pickpocket) and “Pannauti” during Gandhi’s public address. The Election Commission’s notice cites relevant legal provisions, including Section 123(4) of the Representation of the People Act, Section 171G, 504, 505(2), and 499 of the Indian Penal Code, emphasizing the need for political discourse to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct.
The notice underscores the Election Commission’s concerns about the declining level of political discourse, referring to a general advisory issued on May 2, 2023. The advisory urged all political actors to operate within the confines of the Model Code of Conduct and maintain decency in public discourse. Additionally, the notice highlights the delicate balance between the right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to reputation, as emphasized in various pronouncements by the Supreme Court of India.