Days after the Madras High Court observed that the Election Commission (EC) should be booked for murder as it had allowed political campaigning without COVID-19 protocols, the poll body has requested the High Court to restrain the media from reporting on oral observations.
The commission argued that there is no evidence to suggest that political campaigning was behind the massive surge in COVID-19 cases across states, where elections were held.
The EC, in its petition, said it was disappointed with media reports of the Madras High Court's oral observations.
“These reports have tarnished the image of the Election Commission of India as an independent constitutional agency that is entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of conducting elections.”Election Commission.
The poll body also pointed out that a police complaint was filed against the Deputy Election Commissioner, accusing him of murder in West Bengal.
Hours after chiding the Election Commission and saying it should be ‘booked for murder’ for allowing poll rallies, the Madras High Court in its order stated that at no cost can counting become a catalyst for a further surge.
Compared to the strongly-worded rebuke during the hearing on Monday morning, 26 April, the order seemed milder and accused the Election Commission of "wanton disregard" and "silence" during campaigning carried out without following COVID protocols.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)