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Key Points

A public interest litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the deregistration of the Indian National Congress. The PIL alleges that Congress leaders are conducting an "anti-constitutional" propaganda against the Election Commission of India. The petition claims the party's actions breach its constitutional oath and interfere with the poll body's statutory functions. The plea seeks a comprehensive investigation and potential prosecution of Congress leadership for their alleged misconduct.

Key Points: SC PIL Seeks Congress Deregistration Over ECI Propaganda

  • PIL alleges Congress propaganda undermines Election Commission's constitutional authority
  • Seeks deregistration of Congress as a political party
  • Challenges Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge's constitutional allegiance
  • Demands Special Investigation Team to probe anti-ECI movement
2 min read

PIL in SC to de-register Congress for 'anti-constitutional' propaganda

Public interest litigation challenges Congress leadership's nationwide campaign against Election Commission, alleging constitutional breach and anti-democratic actions

"Once the issue of special intensive revision of the voter list... is sub-judice, political parties cannot make any campaign - Petition Filing"

New Delhi, Aug 22

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking the de-registration of the Indian National Congress (INC) for conducting nationwide “anti-constitutional” propaganda against the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The plea stated that the propaganda is designed to undermine the constitutional authority of the poll body and impinge upon the sanctity of the democratic process in the country.

Further, it sought a declaration that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have "no allegiance to the Constitution of India".

The PIL alleged that the nationwide campaign by Congress leaders against the ECI breaches the constitutional oath taken by the party at the time of its registration and unlawfully interferes with the poll body's statutory and constitutional functions.

The ECI is vested with the exclusive authority to prepare and amend the electoral rolls across the country under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the rules framed thereunder, added the petition.

"Once the issue of special intensive revision of the voter list of the State of Bihar is sub-judice before this Hon'ble Court, the political parties, especially the Indian National Congress and its leader Sh. Rahul Gandhi and Shri Mallikarjun Kharge cannot make any campaign, propaganda and can use the language (Vote Chor) in public meetings," it said.

The petitioner, Satish Kumar Aggarwal, a former vice-president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, contended that such conduct violates Article II of the Congress' own constitution, which mandates allegiance to the Constitution of India, as well as Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, which requires political parties to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.

Urging the apex court to issue a direction to the ECI to de-register Congress as a political party, the PIL also sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the "propaganda, campaign, and anti-Election Commission movement" led by top Congress leadership, along with their prosecution.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While criticism of institutions should be allowed in democracy, calling ECI "vote chor" crosses the line. There are proper channels to raise concerns. Political discourse needs to be more respectful. 🤔
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Aman W
This seems like political vendetta. Opposition parties have the right to question institutions. De-registering a national party would be extreme and set a dangerous precedent. Let the courts decide fairly.
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Sarah B
As someone following Indian politics, I think both sides need to tone down rhetoric. Institutions must remain impartial, and political parties should focus on policy debates rather than personal attacks.
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Vikram M
The timing is suspicious - just before elections. If there are genuine concerns about ECI's functioning, they should be addressed through proper parliamentary channels, not street protests and name-calling.
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Nikhil C
Supreme Court should dismiss this frivolous petition. Democracy thrives on healthy criticism. Instead of trying to ban opposition, we should strengthen our institutions to withstand criticism. 🇮🇳

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