Delhi HC hears plea seeking disqualification of PM Modi over religious vote allegations

The Delhi High Court will today hear a plea seeking to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi from contesting elections for six years. The plea alleges that Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by allegedly seeking votes for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the name of religious deities and places of worship ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The PIL, which will be heard on April 26, was filed by lawyer Anand S. Jondhale last week. It specifically refers to Modi’s campaign speech in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, on April 9, where he reportedly made references to Hindu and Sikh deities and places of worship while seeking votes.

The petition calls for an immediate ban on Modi from contesting elections for six years, citing violations of MCC provisions. Jondhale invoked the Representation of People’s Act and argued that political parties and candidates are prohibited from engaging in activities that could cause tensions or exacerbate differences between different communities.

The petition highlights statements attributed to Modi during his campaign, including claims about the construction of the Ram Temple, the development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the GST exemption of materials used in Langars served in Gurudwaras. According to the petitioner, these statements are contrary to the MCC and the provisions of the Representation of People’s Act.

The petitioner’s plea before the Delhi High Court comes after the Election Commission of India (ECI) reportedly failed to act on his complaint to register an FIR against Prime Minister Modi under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (the promoting enmity between groups) and disqualifying him. of participating in elections.