Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal's Lok Sabha Membership Restored

Mohammed Faizal, an MP of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of Sharad Pawar, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in a case of attempt to murder.

In the middle of a huge political row over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification after a Gujarat court sentenced him to two years in jail, the Lok Sabha membership of Lakshwadeep MP Mohammed Faizal was restored today after his conviction in a criminal case was put on hold.

Sources say Rahul Gandhi's legal team may cite this example before a higher court to try and get a stay on his conviction and restore his Lok Sabha membership.

Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging his conviction by a court in Gujarat's Surat may be filed today or tomorrow in a sessions court, sources said.

The Congress says it is prepared for a legal fight if the Election Commission announces dates for bypolls in Wayanad, the constituency that falls vacant after Rahul Gandhi's disqualification.