Election Commission goes to SC against High Court’s move to restrict physical political rallies in MP

The Election Commission of India has approached the Supreme Court against Madhya Pradesh High Court's move to restrict physical political rallies in nine districts in the state in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two BJP candidates contesting the bypolls have also approached the apex court.

Before the upcoming by-elections in 28 seats, the Gwalior Bench of the High Court on Wednesday 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.

ECI said the high court order interferes with poll process and that holding elections is its domain. The order would derail the poll process, it said. The curbs will impact the level playing field for candidates, the Election Commission said.