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.
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