Can Rahul Gandhi Be Disqualified As MP? A Lakshadweep Precedent

The Law Ministry has recommended the reinstatement of PP Mohammed Faizal after his conviction in an attempt to murder case was put on hold by the Kerala High Court.

Congress's Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case for his comment against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thrown up a big question over his fate in the Lok Sabha. While it has given fuel to the BJP, which has been batting for his removal for over two months, the Union law ministry's handling of the case of an MP from Lakshadweep provides an interesting precedent.

The Law Ministry has recommended the reinstatement of PP Mohammed Faizal after his conviction in an attempt to murder case was put on hold by the Kerala High Court.

The MP was initially convicted by a court in Lakshadweep in January. But a week later, the Kerala High Court had suspended the conviction and said his disqualification as a Lok Sabha member will no longer be valid.

The Election Commission, meanwhile, had announced by-polls in the constitution of Mr Faizal, who belongs to Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. The MP challenged the decision in Supreme Court, following which the court asked for a cancellation of the Commission's order.