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Upset Over Madras HC Critique, Election Commission Seeks “Restraining Media Reports” On Oral Observation

ECI

The Election Commission has also said, “Media reports have tarnished the image of the ECI as an independent constitutional agency.”

 

Chennai| The Election Commission of India has moved to the court against the earlier remarks made by the Madras High Court. The poll body has also sought to restrain the media reporting over oral observations made by the court. The ECI’s petition comes days after Madras HC in a scathing remark had held the poll body “Singularly responsible” for the second wave of Covid-19 in the country. The Madras HC Bench had also said that the officials of the Election Commission should face “murder charges”.

The Commission, clearly upset, has said that these remarks of the court have tarnished its image.

The ECI, in its plea before the Madras High Court, has stated that media should be restrained from reporting oral comments made by judges during the hearing. It has said that only comments recorded in the order should be reported. The Election Commission has also said, “Media reports have tarnished the image of the ECI as an independent constitutional agency, which has been entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of conducting the election.”

Also Read: “Your Officers Should Be Booked On Murder Charges”: Madras HC To Election Commission

The Election Commission has told the Madras High Court that political leaders have failed to discharge their duties. The next hearing of the case will be held on Friday.

What did the Madras High Court say?

The Madras HC in a hash observation told Election Commission‘s counsel, “Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of COVID-19”. In a stinging critique of the Election commission, the court further said that the officers of the election commission should probably be booked on the charges of murder. The Chief Justice of Madras HC observed that the Commission had failed to enforce COVID norms regarding wearing of facemasks, use of sanitisers and maintaining social distancing during election campaigning, despite court orders.

ECI Warned To Stop Counting On May 2nd

“Were you on another planet when the election rallies were held?”, Chief Justice asked the ECI counsel. The Court went on to warn that it will stop the counting scheduled on May 2nd if the ECI does not put in place a blueprint of a plan to ensure the following of COVID19 protocol on the counting day.
The Chief Justice added, “Public health is of paramount importance and it is distressing that constitutional authorities have to be reminded in such regard. It is only when a citizen survives that he’ll be able to enjoy the rights that a democratic republic guarantees.”

 

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