The Delhi High Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take appropriate action against Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party leader, within eight weeks. This decision comes in response to a petition filed by lawyer Bharat Nagar, seeking action against Gandhi for several public comments.

In the plea, Nagar pointed out a specific statement made by Rahul Gandhi during a public speech where he referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and businessman Gautam Adani as "pickpockets." Gandhi alleged that Modi diverts attention while Adani picks people's pockets, drawing a parallel to how pickpockets operate. The court was informed that the ECI had issued a notice to Gandhi regarding the matter but received no response.

The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, commented on the inappropriate nature of Gandhi's remarks and urged the ECI to take suitable action within the next eight weeks. While the court declined to order the registration of a criminal case or establish strict guidelines for election speeches, it acknowledged the poor taste of Gandhi's comments and emphasized that aggrieved parties should take appropriate action.

The plea also raised objections to various other comments made by Rahul Gandhi in public speeches, alleging that they lacked evidence available in the public domain. Bharat Nagar emphasized the need for effective guidelines and laws to prevent derogatory statements during elections, expressing concern over their potential impact on voters.

The court's observations underscored disapproval of Gandhi's comments while highlighting that electoral results are determined by the people, and the court cannot interfere with the democratic process. Consequently, the court disposed of the petition.

Case: Bharat Nagar v. Union of India and Ors.