Kerala HC stays Election Commission order preventing distribution of food aid by state govt
The Court also warned the state government saying it can't use the free rice scheme for campaigning.
FollowThe Kerala High Court on Monday gave a green signal to the Kerala government to go ahead with distribution of rice to blue and white card holders.
A Bench of Justice PV Asha stayed an order of the State Election Commission which had directed the State government to halt the proposed distribution of rice in view of the model code of conduct in place for the upcoming State Assembly elections on April 6.
The Court also warned the state government saying it can't use the free rice scheme for campaigning.
"I am of the view that these orders should be stayed. Accordingly, these ordered are stayed," the Court ordered.
The Court however clarified that no impression should be given or allowed to be created by the government that such welfare measure relief or rehabilitation was being undertaken by the government in office so as to influence the electorate in favour of a party in power.
The Commission took this decision after Congress approached the commission seeking to stop the distribution.
The Pinarayi Vijayan government had approached the High Court after the Election Commission ordered a halt on the same.
