FIR lodged against Congress chief Sonia Gandhi over party's attacks against PM CARES fund

As Congress party attacked  PM-CARES fund of Central government, an advocate named Praveen has filed an FIR against party's interim chief, Sonia Gandhi. FIR identifies her as handler of social media account. FIR has been registered under IPC section 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), section 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief), in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.

complainant alleges that Congress party via its Twitter handle on May 11 made false and baseless allegations, and defames Prime Minister. Speaking about his FIR, lawyer said: "Congress Twitter handle has tweeted ill about PM CARES fund on May 11 for which an FIR has been lodged against Congress president Sonia Gandhi as it had hurt sentiments of people of India and damd name of PM."

READ | Rahul Gandhi demands audit of PM CARES Fund

Congress has repeatedly questioned government over setting up of a separate PM-CARES Fund by PM Modi and has demanded that it should be merged with PM National Relief Fund. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had demanded an audit of PM CARES fund and had said account of money received and spent must be made public. 

READ | Chidambaram says 'thing for migrants' as Centre allocates Rs 3,100cr of PM CARES fund

PM CARES Fund

Called  Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, this charitable trust was set up by Centre on March 28. While PM Modi is Chairman of this trust,  Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister are or members. All citizens including individuals, corporates and organizations can contribute to this fund to augment relief efforts in wake of vel coronavirus crisis.

donation to PM CARES fund is exempted from Income Tax under Section 80(G). Moreover, PM Modi specified that fund would t only cater to similar situations in future but would also help strengn disaster manment capacity. One can donate via bank transfer, UPI, Debit and Credit Cards and internet banking. As per a report, PM CARES Fund reportedly received more than Rs.6,500 crore barely a week after anuncement of Fund. 

On Wednesday last week, PM CARES Fund Trust decided to allocate Rs.3100 crore for fight against vel coronavirus. While Rs.2000 crore shall be earmarked for purchase of ventilators, Rs.1000 crore will be used for care of migrants. Additionally, Rs.100 crore will be dedicated towards development of COVID-19 vaccine. 

READ | Rs.3,100 cr of PM CARES Fund allocated for COVID-19 fight; migrant workers to benefit