US watching Rahul's case in Indian courts: State Dept


Washington, Mar 28 (IANS): A US Department of State spokesperson has said that Washington is watching Congress leader Rahul Gandhis case in Indian courts in the wake of the latter's disqualification as an MP following a defamation case.

During a press briefing on Monday when asked if Rahul Gandhi's disqualification was consistent with democratic values, the Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we're watching Mr. Gandhi's case in Indian courts, and we engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values -- including, of course, freedom of expression.

"In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies."

In response to another query if the US was still engaging with Rahul as the opposition leader, Patel said that although he did not have "any specific engagements to read out... it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships".

On March 24, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as member of the Lok Sabha, a day after his conviction in the 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case.

The Gandhi scion, who represented the Wayanad parliamentary constituency of Kerala, was disqualified under provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of Representation of the People's Act.

He was on March 23 sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in the case filed on a complaint by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vijay Benedict, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    The lawyers representing Rahul Gandhi didn't bother to submit an unconditional apology to court !! The case would have been closed then and there without any noise. Lrate they Didn't present their case in court nor approached higher court !! Its surprising .. Big drama now USA president is monitoring!!??? Come on yaar! A statement by Jayshankar will shut them up. They will then twist the statement. Lets not get emotional here !

    DisAgree [14] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • roy Indian, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    USA is getting involed here means this will be big issue to modi & co . and even adani scam will come to light ......... will have to wait and watch what will happen ....... looks like something is big going to happen to MODI & CO will it survive or will it end ...... hope andh bakts wil not be disappoint ....... tak tak ........

    DisAgree [13] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sense_shetty, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    US is an Oxymoron .. No one cares about if they are watching or not .. This is funny statement ..It isd is like fit only to watch Pakistan, Iraq , and libya .It does not have the balls to even wink at Iran or other terror states.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Avil Dev, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    Currently the US has their own xhit to take care off. Moreover Biden is not keeping well to make some statements. Dont for one moment depend on US. If there is a 'faida' for them they are there .If not they will just let you jack off.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sheriff, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    Ha Ha Ha. US State Dept has done a good balancing act . Not here nor there.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • prakash, Manipal

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    Live with heads held high or like a slave to oppression.... This is the time to decide for we Indians... So called Modi Bhakths will also not be spared in days to come.... If people can not see the aggression gaining over confidence in the coteries of nagpur and delhi it will be the biggest tragedy of modern India... USA is a third party and their opinion has to be taken with a grain of salt... But it is for us to find a meaning of future course of democracy in India.... It is time to sideline regional parties and back Indian National Congress as principal opposition with little less than half mark.... We must have two party rule with each party coming to power every alternate term same like seen in Kerala....

    DisAgree [15] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    Dear Mr. Prakash, Only reasonable restriction should be there to maintain balance between fundamental rights and smooth order in democratic society. Then only there will be hassle free administration. Freedom of expression doesn't mean you can talk as you wish, One cant even talk nonsense in his own home, then how one can publicly say every individual of particular community as thief. There should be fear in mind of every individual before expressing ones idea in public. There should be fear in mind before engaging in any activities either legal or illegal, then only there will ne peace and harmony in society then only democracy play its best role.

    DisAgree [26] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravi Pai, Bangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    Dear prashanth, let the fear be within you dont try to scare everyone with your modi bakthi.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 28 2023

    Dear Mr Pai!!!!!!!!! or !! Why are you scared, if not done any mistakes. Don't scare, but abide law and order of the land. No one is above the law, including you and me. Know some thing better about constitution, Indian law of defamation and and later stick on your blind politics. Me not believer of any political party as you presuming.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Report Abuse


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