SC says no to special courts to deal with Model Code of Conduct breaches

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking setting up of special courts across the country to deal with cases relating to breach of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The Model Code of Conduct came into effect after Chief Election Officer Sunil Arora announced the schedule for the seven-phased elections in the country, slated to be held from April 11 to May 19.

Despite the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect from Sunday, several leaders across various political quarters have violated it, as per reports. On Wednesday, the Election Commission had issued a notice to BJP’s Jaipur MP Ramcharan Bohra and Rajasthan Congress’ General Secretary Sunil Sharma for putting up posters in different locations across Jaipur depicting different operations done by Indian Armed forces along with their own photos.

It also asked both the politicians to file a reply within three days. BJP MLA OP Sharma too was served a notice by the Election Commission for breaching the Model Code of Conduct. The BJP MLA had posted a photograph of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman on social media.

The EC had directed political parties to advise their candidates and leaders to desist from displaying photographs of Wing Commander Varthaman in advertisements as part of their election campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)