The Supreme Court has requested responses from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other involved parties concerning a petition that claims he pushed a pregnant journalist during a march to the court on October 12. The petition calls for the immediate filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Gandhi and others allegedly implicated in the incident, along with compensation for the journalist.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to Gandhi and the other respondents after senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia brought the matter to their attention. Bhatia indicated that an application had been submitted in relation to a pending petition regarding the incident.

The application alleges that the journalist was manhandled on the court premises. According to the claim, Gandhi reportedly pushed her towards the gate with sufficient force that she lost her balance and fell, necessitating her to break the fall with her hands. The petition asserts that this action was not merely a result of crowd jostling, as it occurred openly in a crowded area, in the presence of security personnel, journalists, and other individuals, despite her explicit requests for consideration.

Context of the Incident

On October 12, Gandhi, along with several prominent Opposition leaders and their supporters, arrived at the Supreme Court to submit a plea concerning alleged extensive voter deletions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This march was part of a broader protest against perceived issues in the electoral process.

Delhi has seen numerous demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with protesters alleging irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and others regarding a plea against the October 12 march.

The recent application, which has been filed in connection with the ongoing case, alleges that the pregnant journalist was pushed during the march and seeks both an FIR and compensation for the incident. The Supreme Court’s request for responses from Gandhi and the other respondents marks a significant development in this matter.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia had previously urged the Supreme Court to consider the case, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations. He stated that the journalist, who was three months pregnant at the time, required hospitalisation following the incident. Bhatia’s remarks were reported by the Press Trust of India, emphasising the need for the court to take cognisance of the situation.

The Supreme Court’s decision to seek responses from Gandhi and the other involved parties indicates the judiciary’s intent to address the allegations thoroughly. The court’s actions underscore the importance of maintaining decorum and safety within its precincts, especially concerning vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women.

As the situation unfolds, the responses from the respondents will be crucial in determining the next steps in this legal matter. The implications of the incident could have broader ramifications, not just for those involved but also for public trust in the political and electoral processes in India.

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