Election Commission Moves Supreme Court Over High Court’s ‘Murder’ Comment

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has moved the Supreme Court against what it called “blatantly disparaging” observations by Madras High Court over conducting assembly elections amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Madras High Court made blatantly disparaging and derogatory remarks,” the Election Commission told the Supreme Court.

“Madras High Court, despite being an independent constitutional authority, made serious allegations of murder on another independent constitutional authority without any basis, which has ultimately dented both the institutions,” the EC said in its plea.

On April 26, the Madras HC said the Election Commission “should probably be booked for murder” for not stopping political rallies ahead of Tamil Nadu election despite a steep spike in COVID cases. The high court was hearing a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Transport Minister MR Vijayabaskar, who sought COVID-compliance on counting day (May 2).

The Madras HC said in its order that “at no cost can counting become a catalyst for a further surge.”

The Supreme Court bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah will hear EC’s plea on Monday.