Former Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Thursday called Rahul Gandhi’s two-year sentence a “bizarre”, Mr Gandhi is automatically disqualified an MP, he said further.
Rahul Gandhi was convicted for two-year sentence on Thursday by the Surat Court for his 2019 remark against PM Modi. However, he got an immediate bail and the Court has granted him 30 days time to file an appeal.
There were questions floating all the day whether the Congress will be expelled from the Lok Sabha.
“If it (the court) only suspends the sentence that’s not enough. There has to be a suspension or stay of conviction. He (Rahul Gandhi) can stay on as a member of parliament only if there is a stay on the conviction,” said the former law minister.
He further stated, anyone who is convicted of any offence, his seat will remain vacant for the period. “The law requires it and naturally the Speaker will move in accordance with the law,” said the senior leader.
Citing the case of Lily Thomas vs Union of India in 2013, he said, “any MP, MLA or MLC who is convicted of a crime and given a minimum of 2 years’ jail loses membership of the House with immediate effect”.
Meanwhile, Congress has put up questions on the Court’s verdict saying, “how the court can give such harsh punishment after a 20-minute hearing”. The party has even said that Mr Gandhi will contest the court’s decision.
