The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from contesting elections for allegedly making religious appeals during a speech in Uttar Pradesh. The plea claimed that PM Modi had asked voters to vote for his party in the name of Hindu and Sikh deities and places of worship, violating the Model Code of Conduct. However, the court dismissed the petition, stating that there was no evidence of a violation and the Election Commission is obligated to make an independent decision on the matter. The plea had also mentioned PM Modi's statements regarding the Ram Temple construction, Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, and GST exemption for langars in gurdwaras.
Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea for PM Modi's Disqualification over Religious Appeals
Background:
The petition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi stemmed from his speech during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign in Uttar Pradesh. In the speech, Modi allegedly made religious appeals, asking voters to support his party in the name of Hindu and Sikh deities and places of worship.
Court's Ruling:
On June 22, 2023, the Delhi High Court dismissed the plea seeking Modi's disqualification. The court held that there was no evidence of a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits candidates from making religious appeals during elections. The court further stated that the Election Commission is the appropriate authority to investigate and decide on such allegations.
Petitioner's Claims:
The petition, filed by a lawyer named Surinder Singh, had argued that Modi's statements amounted to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct because they appealed to religious sentiments. The petition cited specific statements made by Modi, including:
Court's Reasoning:
The court rejected the petition's arguments, stating that the statements made by Modi were not aimed at influencing voters on religious grounds. The court noted that Modi had made similar statements about other states and religions, and that his speech was not solely targeted at religious sentiments.
The court also emphasized the role of the Election Commission in such matters, stating that it is the Commission's responsibility to interpret and enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
FAQs:
1. What is the Model Code of Conduct?
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure fair and ethical elections. It prohibits candidates and political parties from using religious appeals, spreading false information, or engaging in other unethical practices during the election campaign.
2. Can candidates be disqualified for violating the Model Code of Conduct?
Yes, candidates can be disqualified if they are found to have violated the Model Code of Conduct. However, the decision to disqualify a candidate is made by the Election Commission after conducting an investigation and considering all the evidence.
3. What were the specific allegations against PM Modi?
PM Modi was accused of making religious appeals by asking voters to support his party in the name of Hindu and Sikh deities and places of worship. The petition cited specific statements made by Modi during his election speech in Uttar Pradesh.
4. Why did the court dismiss the petition?
The court dismissed the petition because it found no evidence of a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The court held that Modi's statements were not aimed at influencing voters on religious grounds and that the Election Commission is the appropriate authority to investigate such allegations.
5. What is the significance of the court's ruling?
The court's ruling reaffirms the authority of the Election Commission to interpret and enforce the Model Code of Conduct. It also demonstrates the importance of avoiding religious appeals during election campaigns to ensure fair and ethical elections.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
With the latest news and developments surrounding Justice PG Ajithkumar, stay informed about the famous judge's groundbreaking cases and decisions. Stay connected and up-to-date with the latest verdicts and judgments made by the well-known Justice as he continues to make waves in the legal world. Don't miss out on any crucial updates and stay on top of the current political landscape with this exciting news piece featuring Justice PG Ajithkumar.
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.
In a press conference held in Hyderabad, BRS leader P Karthik Reddy voiced his concerns over the alleged discrimination against Rangareddy district by the Telangana government. He has given an ultimatum of one week for the government to release the Rythu Bandhu funds to the farmers, threatening to go on an indefinite hunger strike if his demands are not met. Reddy also questioned the chief minister about his knowledge of the combined Rangareddy district and accused him of neglecting the district due to lack of support from the Congress.