The Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned all victory processions and celebrations after the results of the state elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry, West Bengal, and Kerala come out on May 2. The decision has been taken to check the spread of Covid-19.
This comes a day after Madras High Court came down hard on the Election Commission, calling it the “the most irresponsible institution” for the alleged spread of the second wave of Covid-19 in the country. The court pointed the finger at ECI for not doing anything to stop the political rallies that were being held in different states ahead of the elections. In stinging remarks, the court said Election Commission officials may be booked under murder charges too.
The ECI has also dictated that no more than two people shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate when they come to collect their election certificate.
The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy made the observation on a public interest writ, seeking for a direction to authorities to ensure fair counting of votes on May 2 in Karur by taking effective steps and proper arrangements with Covid-19 protocols.
The Court has also warned to stop the vote-counting on May 2 if EC fails to provide a blueprint of a plan to follow Covid guidelines on Result Day. “Public health is paramount. Distressing that constitutional authorities ought to be reminded,” the court said.
