Physical poll rallies in MP can be held: SC

October 26, 2020 12:52

Physical election rallies in Madhya Pradesh can be held for now, the Supreme Court said today, putting on hold the Madhya Pradesh high court's move to restrict physical political rallies in nine districts in the state in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the coming by-elections in 28 seats, the Gwalior bench of the HC last week asked that magistrates of the districts under its jurisdiction not give permission to any candidate or political party for public gatherings unless they can prove that virtual election campaign is not possible.

The top court today said it is the Election Commission which needs to look into these issues. "You take initiative, set right the situation. If there is any illegality going on, it's for you to ask the authority to take action. We will say whatever illegality has been flagged by the high court, you will take cognizance of that. You must take responsibility," a bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar said.

The Supreme Court also pulled up political parties for what it said was creating a situation that compelled the high court to intervene. "Had political parties maintained the protocol, this situation wouldn't have arisen," the top court said.

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