Anna Hazare anti corruption: Does Section 144 of CrPC not apply for Rahul Gandhi?

NEW DELHI: Criticism of Anna Hazare's movement backfired on the government when Cabinet ministers were asked at a briefing if there was one set of standards for Congress scion Rahul Gandhi and another for the Gandhian.

Rahul had violated Section 144 of CrPC in Uttar Pradesh when he visited the villages of Bhatta-Parsaul earlier this year. The move was not just supported by the Congress but was positioned as the party lending its voice to the 'aam aadmi'. Now, by calling Hazare's protest unconstitutional and unparliamentary, the party has put itself in a difficult position.

Offering an explanation to the question, home minister P Chidambaram said Rahul was externed and brought back to Delhi in accordance with law.