Take strict action against political parties for derogatory remarks: SC to EC

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) on a PIL seeking strict action against political parties if their spokespersons and representatives deliver speeches and make remarks in media on religion and caste lines. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and comprising of Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna issued a notice to the ECI in a petition filed by an NRI from Sharjah, Harpreet Mansukhani. The SC has sought a response from ECI by April 15.

Advocate Sanjay Hegde appeared in the SC for the petitioner. The petition also urged the SC to constitute a bench headed by former SC judges to keep a close watch and check the fairness of the ECI during the Lok Sabha elections. The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and will conclude on May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)