'Judicial Independence Cornerstone Of Any Democracy': US Says Watching Rahul Gandhi's Case

The United States said it was watching Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification case in Indian courts saying that ‘judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy’.

US watching Rahul Gandhi's disqualification case

Source : PTI | Getty Images

Rahul Gandhi Disqualification: The United States said it was watching Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification case in Indian courts saying that ‘judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy’. US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel made the remark during a press briefing on Monday. 

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. 

On the question of if the US is engaging with Rahul Gandhi as the opposition leader, Patel said that it was normal for the US to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where it has bilateral relationships. 

Responding to the disqualification of Gandhi, he 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." 

He further said, "The US engages 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." 

Emphasising the shared importance of democratic values between India and the US, Vedan Patel said, "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." 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified on Friday as a Member of Lok Sabha after a Surat court on Thursday sentenced him to two years imprisonment in a defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. He had made the comments in 2019 during an election campaign in Karnataka

The Congress is planning to hold press conferences in 35 cities across India over the next two days (Tuesday-Wednesday) to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha. The press conferences will be held under the 'Democracy Dis'Qualified' campaign. It will also highlight other issues such as the Adani group issue and the alleged "clean chit" to fugitives.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh, announced on Twitter that senior Congress leaders will address press conferences in 35 cities on March 28 and 29 on the issue of 'Democracy Dis'Qualified.' Ramesh also stated that the Modi government's clean chit to Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi and the reality of "Modani" would be highlighted at the conferences.

On March 28, there will be press conferences in four cities, including Lucknow (UP), Jammu (J&K), Hyderabad (Telangana), and Chandigarh. On March 29, there will be press conferences in 31 cities, with Congress leaders and workers protesting across the country.