A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking stringent action against the Indian National Congress (INC) for its ongoing “Vote-Chori” campaign, alleging that it maligns the constitutional authority and impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The petition not only seeks deregistration of the Congress party as a recognized political party but also demands the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the conduct of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in relation to their remarks and campaigns against the Commission.

Filed by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, former Vice President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, the petition claims that the “nationwide propaganda” launched by INC and its leaders amounts to anti-constitutional activities, as it undermines the faith of citizens in the democratic process. The petitioner has argued that when INC was originally registered under the Representation of People Act, it had sworn allegiance to the Constitution of India, and therefore, its present conduct violates that oath.

As an urgent measure, the plea has asked for an ex-parte ad-interim stay order restraining INC, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and their representatives from making any public statements, speeches, or publications that could “erode public confidence” in the Election Commission’s credibility during the pendency of the case.

The petitioner asserts that the “Vote-Chori” remarks, alleging connivance between the Commission and the Central Government, amount to interference with the statutory and constitutional functions of ECI, especially since matters concerning the special intensive revision of the Bihar electoral rolls are already pending before the Supreme Court. The plea highlights that one of INC’s senior leaders, KC Venugopal, is himself a petitioner in the Bihar voters’ list revision case, and yet the party has continued to make public allegations on the same subject outside court.

According to the petitioner, both Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have breached the oath they undertook while assuming their seats in Parliament by using disparaging expressions such as “vote chor” against the Election Commission and by suggesting institutional bias. Such conduct, it is argued, reflects “a blatant disregard of their allegiance to the Constitution of India” and damages the democratic sanctity of elections.

The plea further contends that Congress leaders have individually targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, using what it describes as “unparliamentary language” in press conferences, print media, and television appearances, thereby tarnishing the institutional image of the Election Commission.

In a related development, another PIL has been filed by an advocate seeking the formation of an SIT headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of large-scale manipulation of voters’ lists in the Bengaluru Central constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Satish Kumar Aggarwal vs. Union of India & Ors.