Pilot's plea seeking disqualification of Modi as Varanasi candidate rejected
What's the story
The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition on Thursday seeking to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi from contesting the 2024 general election from the Varanasi constituency.
The plea was filed by Captain Deepak Kumar, who accused PM Modi and his associates of planning a fatal crash of an Air India flight in 2018.
Kumar also alleged that the PM made a false oath after submitting his nomination paper.
Justice Sachin Datta rejected the plea, terming the allegations "reckless and unsubstantiated."
Motive analysis
Court highlights motives behind allegations against Modi
The court stated that the purpose of Kumar's allegations was to make "scandalous claims without any basis."
It further noted that the petition was tainted with "mala fide and oblique motives."
Apart from seeking PM Modi's disqualification, Kumar also called for the cancellation of the candidatures of Union ministers Amit Shah and Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Kumar's plea stated: "Narender Modi, Amit Shan, Jyotiraditya Scindia and their accomplices are a criminal element will be detrimental for Indian Society at large.
Serious accusations
Petitioner labels Modi and associates as 'Criminal elements'
Kumar claimed that PM Modi obstructed investigations into serious allegations against him and his associates, leading to an economic and social boycott against him due to his caste.
He also alleged that PM Modi played an active role in the selling process of Air India Limited, which resulted in the cancellation of his pilot license and ratings by fabricating his records of service.