Delhi HC Issues Notice To ECI On Plea Seeking De-registration Of YSR Congress Party

The Single Bench of Justice Jayant Nath has issued notices to the Election Commission of India and to the YSR Congress Party.

Filed by Anna YSR Congress, the petition seeks a direction to be issued to the Election Commission of India to withdraw YSR Congress Party's status as "recognised party" under Para 6A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 and to de-register the same under its inherent powers.

The Petitioner claims that the YSR Congress has unlawfully appropriated the name 'YSR' and is illegally using the same on its party pamphlets, letterheads and collaterals.

Despite assuring the Petitioner that it will not use the term YSR, the Petitioner argues that the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh is continuing to pass as a part of the Petitioner party in the eyes of the public.

The petition states that:

'This invites de-recognition of a recognised political party under Para 16A of the Symbols Order and for this purpose, the ECI possesses broad disciplinary/penal powers. This wilful and conscious disobedience, is aggravated by the fact that in the past, YSR Congress had applied for and was not granted right to use the abbreviation "YSR Congress.'

It is further submitted by the Petitioner that despite multiple complaints being filed, ECI has taken no action against the Respondent political party.

The court will next take up this matter on September 3

Case Title: Anna YSR Congress v. Election Commission of India