‘Can’t regulate political alliances’: Poll body over plea to restrain parties from using INDIA acronym

The poll body said that while it is vested with the authority to register associations or bodies of individuals as political parties under Section 29A of the Representation of People Act, political alliances are not recognised as regulated entities under the Act.

Written by India News Desk

October 30, 2023 16:08 IST

'Can't regulate political alliances': Poll body over plea to restrain parties from using INDIA acronym

The plea alleged that political parties are using the acronym INDIA with malicious intent. (File photo/Twitter)

The Election Commission of India (ECI), in response to a petition against the use of the acronym INDIA by an alliance of 26 opposition political parties, has informed the Delhi High Court that it lacks the authority to regulate political alliances.

The ECI stated that while it is vested with the authority to register associations or bodies of individuals as political parties under Section 29A of the Representation of People Act, political alliances are not recognised as regulated entities under the Act or the Constitution, ANI reported.

However, the ECI clarified that its response should not be construed as an expression over the legality of the usage of the acronym ‘INDIA’ by the Opposition alliance. It maintained that its role is limited to the registration of political parties and does not extend to regulating political tie-ups.

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The statement was made in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a businessman named Girish Bharadwaj. In his petition, Bharadwaj argued that the use of the acronym INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), an essential part of the national emblem, for political purposes amounts to a violation of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

He expressed concern that this could adversely affect the peaceful, transparent, and fair casting of votes during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, potentially leading to unwarranted violence and affecting the country’s law and order.

The plea alleged that political parties are using the acronym INDIA with malicious intent which will only act as a factor for diminishing the goodwill of our great nation i.e., India (Bharat), not only in our country but also on various international platforms, ANI reported.

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The bench of Justices Satish Chander Sharma and Amit Mahajan had sought a response from the central government through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and ECI and had listed the matter for hearing on October 31.

(With inputs from ANI)

This article was first uploaded on October thirty, twenty twenty-three, at eight minutes past four in the afternoon.