SC rejects plea challenging EC’s decision to hold Bengal polls in eight phases, use of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan

By Team Newsable | First Published Mar 9, 2021, 3:44 PM IST

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (March 9) dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission’s decision to conduct assembly elections over eight phases in Bengal. At the same time, the petition seeking a ban on chanting 'Joy Sri Ram' slogan in political campaigns has also been rejected.

In West Bengal, a case was filed against the suspension of elections in eight phases. The Supreme Court dismissed the public interest litigation. At the same time, the petition seeking a ban on chanting 'Joy Sri Ram' slogan in political campaigns has also been rejected.

A three-member division bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bob said on Tuesday (March 9) that the High Court could be approached on the basis of religion. The plaintiff, Manoharlal Sharma, was given the option of appealing to the Calcutta High Court. The apex court dismissed the case after Manoharlal Sharma refused to appeal to the Calcutta High Court.

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Manoharlal Sharma told the bench, “I rely upon a judgement. This is not the matter of election petition. One party is using a religious slogan. Why should I go to the high court?”

The division bench said, “You are asking for prosecution. How can we pass such an order? The only power lied with the high court, that to the election petition.”

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“We have read your entire petition. But there was no basis to intervene,” the division bench added.

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