EC refuses to disclose Lavasa's dissent notes

June 24, 2019 17:39

The Election Commission has refused to disclose under the RTI Act the dissent notes of its commissioner Ashok Lavasa on decisions pertaining to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches which were alleged to have violated model code, saying it was exempted information which may "endanger the life or physical safety" of an individual.

The poll body was responding to Pune-based RTI activist Vihar Durve who had demanded Lavasa's dissent notes, pertaining to speeches given by Modi in rallies at Wardha on April 1, Latur on April 9, Patan and Barmer on April 21 and Varanasi on April 25.

The Election Commission cited Section 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act exempting the disclosure of information which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes.

Durve had also sought information about the procedure followed and the decision given by the commission with regards to these speeches.

This information was also denied citing the Section 8(1)(g) of the act.

Lavasa had reportedly dissented on a series of clean chits given by the commission to the prime minister and Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on their speeches.

As his demand to record his dissent notes in the EC's orders was not met, Lavasa had recused himself from cases relating to relating to violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The 'full commission' of the panel, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and members -- Lavasa and Sushil Chandra -- had deliberated on the contentious issue, after which the EC said dissent notes and minority views would remain part of records but would not be part of its order. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

BJP drops Brij Bhushan, fields son instead from Kaiserganj

The party also named Dinesh Pratap Singh as its candidate from Rae Bareli, a Gandhi family bastion which was won by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi five consecutive times.

Tracking Poll Mood On The Brahmaputra Mail

Amid the rhythmic chug of the train, a chorus of voices rises, each bearing its tale of hope and despair.

Halt illegal mining in Aravallis, act against officials: SC

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Abhay S Oka said the governments must ensure that action is taken against erring officials.

'Shouldn't Have Refused Single'

Dhoni refused a seemingly easy single after hitting the ball, leaving many, including former cricketer Irfan Pathan, perplexed.

Delhi bomb scare: Senders 'wanted to create panic'

The intention of the bomb hoax emails received by nearly 200 Delhi schools was to 'create mass panic and disturb public order', the Delhi Police says in a first information report (FIR) registered by its Special Cell.