Supreme Court to examine Election Commission’s powers against hate speeches during Lok Sabha election campaigns 

The Supreme Court of India.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on Monday, said it would examine the scope of the Election Commission’s powers on implementing the model code of conduct. It asked a representative to be present in court on Tuesday, to explain EC’s stand on whether the Commission can punish those making hate speeches along religious lines during election campaigns.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, was hearing plea filed by an NRI in the United Arab Emirates seeking strict action against political parties, who use religion and caste during campaigns to seek votes.

Specifically mentioning the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Gogoi asked the election body about the number of notices issued on leaders violating model code of conduct during campaigns and said, “If someone does something, they should not be doing you should get into it ... what is this about filing affidavits.”

The apex court further said, “Are you aware of your powers? We will get the chief election commissioner here if you don’t answer the questions … The Election Commission says ‘we are toothless!’ They issue a notice if someone violates model code ... or uses religion or caste for votes ... then an advisory of they don’t follow notice.”

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