EC responsible for COVID-19 surge, officials should be booked for murder: Madras HC
"Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of Covid-19. Election Commission officers should be booked on murder charges probably," the HC observed.
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FollowThe Madras High Court on Monday slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) for allowing political rallies amid a deadly second wave of Covid-19.
The High Court said that the ECI is singularly responsible for spreading Covid-19 and murder charges should probably be imposed on it for its “irresponsible” behaviour.
"Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of Covid-19. Election Commission officers should be booked on murder charges probably," the HC observed.
"Were you on another planet when the election rallies were held?", Chief Justice of Madras High Court questioned the ECI.
The Madras HC went on to warn that it will stop counting on May 2 if the Election Commission does not put in place a proper plan to ensure that the Covid-19 protocol is followed.
“Public health is of paramount importance and it is distressing that constitutional authorities have to be reminded in such regard. It is only when a citizen survives that he'll be able to enjoy the rights that a democratic republic guarantees," the Chief Justice said.
Chief Justice Banerjee and Justice Ramamoorthy were hearing a petition filed by the state transport minister MR Vijayabhaskar seeking directions to the ECI to follow certain measures during the counting of votes on May 2 at his Karur constituency, where a total of 77 candidates had contested.
The Madras High Court directed the Election Commission of India and Tamil Nadu Chief Election Officer to consult with the Health Secretary and draft a Covid-19 protocol for the counting day and submit the same on April 30.
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
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