Rahul Gandhi Set To Return To Parliament: What Happens Next?

On August 21, the Sessions Court in Surat will hear Mr Gandhi's appeal against his conviction by the trial court.

The Supreme Court's big relief to Rahul Gandhi has paved the way for his re-entry in Parliament. The big questions now are how long the Lok Sabha secretariat takes to restore his membership and whether he will be able to participate in the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. 

On the legal front, the Congress leader has challenged the March order of a Surat trial court in the 2019 criminal defamation case, which had led to his disqualification. The Sessions Court in Surat will hear his appeal against the ruling - which had convicted him and sentenced him to two years in prison - on August 21. 

As per the procedure for restoration of membership, Mr Gandhi will need to make a submission to the Lok Sabha secretariat stating that his conviction has been stayed and his status as the Member of Parliament from Wayanad should be restored. He will also have to submit a copy of the Supreme Court's order to the secretariat, which will go through it and then issue a communique.