Division Bench Of Delhi HC Also Denies Swaraj India The Common Symbol [Read Judgment]

The Division Bench of Delhi High Court in Swaraj India vs State Election Commission and Another while deciding an interim application held that “that any interim direction for grant of a common election symbol to the appellant would gravely hinder, impede, and could stall the election process set in motion by issue of Notification dated 22nd March, 2017”

The Appellant Swaraj India being a registered and unrecognised party filed the Writ Petition before the Division Bench of Delhi High Court challenging the order dated March 29, 2017 of Single Bench wherein its demand for Common Symbol for MCD Elections in Union Territory of Delhi was rejected.

Moreover to ensure justice the matter was listed and heard on April 1, 2017 which was not the Court working day being a Saturday.

Division Bench observed that there is a difference between Municipal elections conducted by the State Election Commission and National and State assembly elections conducted by the Election Commission of India. Moreover, Rules relating to the recognition of parties have to considered and examined. The Election Symbol Order, 1968 is not applicable to the municipal election and this is the reason why controversy has arisen.

While relying on the contention of the State Election Commission, that the courts cannot direct and mandate a particular legislation or stipulate the nature and type of conditions to be imposed for grant of a common symbol Delhi High Court did not find it fit to pass any interim order which would have the effect of setting aside and modifying paragraph 4 (d) of the Reservation and Allotment.

Relying on the ratio expounded by Supreme Court in Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and Anr. Vs. Election Commission of India (2009), Delhi High Court held that “for interim order or direction in such cases is not warranted.  We cannot ignore the practical and functional problems which would arise. These would hinder and create obstacles in conduct of free and fair election in a smooth manner. For the aforesaid reasons, we are not inclined to issue any interim order for award of a common election symbol to the appellant in the ensuing municipal elections. The application is dismissed”

Read the Judgment here.