Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha Membership Is Restored, Reintroducing Congress Leader As Wayanad MP

Rahul Gandhi, the head of the Congress, had his Lok Sabha membership restored on Monday, a significant win for the opposition. Gandhi’s disqualification, which was granted on March 23 of this year, has been removed, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said three days after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in a defamation case.

The notification stated, “Subject to further judicial pronouncements, the disqualification of Shri Rahul Gandhi… in terms of the provisions of Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, has ceased to operate.”

Gandhi will now serve as Wayanad’s Lower House representative once again.

THE DISQUALIFICATION OF RAHUL GANDHI AS A MP

Gandhi lost his eligibility to serve in the Lok Sabha when a Gujarati court found him guilty of defaming the “Modi surname” and gave him the maximum punishment of two years in jail.

Any sentence of more than two years immediately disqualifies a legislator.

Gandhi appealed to the Supreme Court after the Gujarat High Court declined to suspend the conviction.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution, clearing the door for the reinstatement of his Lok Sabha membership.

Senate Response

Following his reinstatement, the Congress said that it would want him to play a significant role in the discussion of the no-confidence resolution that is set to be discussed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.