Supreme Court Dismisses Plea to Disqualify PM Modi from Contesting Elections for 6 Years

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from elections for allegedly seeking votes on religious grounds during the Lok Sabha polls. Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma advised the petitioner to address the issue with relevant authorities before seeking judicial intervention. The petitioner opted to withdraw the plea, which was dismissed accordingly.

"Have you approached authorities? For a writ of mandamus, you must approach the authorities first," remarked the Bench in response to the petitioner's submission.

The petition, filed by Fatima, accused PM Modi of violating the model code of conduct by invoking Hindu deities and places of worship to garner votes. This move mirrored a recent rejection by the Delhi High Court of a similar plea filed by advocate Anand S Jondhale.

Fatima's plea sought a six-year disqualification of Modi under the Representation of People Act. However, the bench highlighted the petitioner's failure to initially approach the Election Commission, prompting the withdrawal of the petition.

Additionally, the Supreme Court refused to entertain another petition alleging hate speeches by PM Modi and Union Minister Anurag Thakur while campaigning. The bench emphasized the necessity of petitioners approaching the Election Commission first, as per legal protocol.