The corridors of the Delhi High Court are set to witness a significant legal battle on Friday as it convenes to hear a plea seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from elections for a period of six years. The petitioner has leveled allegations against PM Modi, accusing him of soliciting votes for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the guise of religious appeals during his campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
According to a report by Live Law, the plea was filed by lawyer Anand S Jondhale and is scheduled to be heard by Justice Sachin Datta. Anand S Jondhale, the petitioner, asserted that PM Modi contravened the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during a speech delivered in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit on April 9, as reported by Bar and Bench. The petitioner contended that PM Modi not only sought votes by invoking Hindu and Sikh deities and their places of worship but also made disparaging remarks against opposing political parties, depicting them as favorable to Muslims.
In the plea submitted to the court, Jondhale emphasized the recurrent nature of PM Modi's alleged transgressions, asserting that similar speeches were being delivered across the country during his travels aboard government aircraft and helicopters. The petitioner further underscored the divisive potential of PM Modi's rhetoric, warning that his speeches could sow seeds of discord among voters along the fault lines of caste and religion, as per the report.
During the rally in Pilibhit, PM Modi had reportedly accused the leaders of the INDIA bloc of insulting Lord Ram by rejecting an invitation for 'pran pratistha'. He also lambasted the Congress over its manifesto, likening it to that of the Muslim League, while affirming the BJP's unwavering support for the Sikh community. PM Modi highlighted the government's initiatives, such as waiving GST on 'langar' items and inaugurating the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, as a testament to this commitment.
Prior to approaching the Delhi High Court, Jondhale had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), urging the registration of an FIR against PM Modi under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code and seeking his disqualification. However, he alleged that the EC had failed to take any action on the matter, prompting him to seek redress through the judicial system.
As the legal saga unfolds, all eyes are trained on the Delhi High Court, awaiting its pronouncement on this contentious issue. The outcome of this hearing will not only have far-reaching implications for the political landscape but also serve as a litmus test for the enforcement of electoral ethics and accountability in the country.