PIL in Bombay HC alleging violation of Code of Conduct by PM Modi; HC seeks reply

Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a reply from the Centre and the Election Commission of India on a Public Interest Litigation alleging violation of the Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP MPs during the last Lok Sabha elections. The replies have been demanded within four weeks, by the Bench headed by Justice V.M. Kanade.

The PIL, filed by Pune base social activist Mr. Hemant Patil alleges that the BJP leaders had spent crores of rupees during the elections, exceeding the limit of Rs. 70 lakh, as prescribed by the Election Commission of India. It hence demands an action under the Representation of People Act for violating the Code.

Mr. Patil had earlier approached the Election Commission of India as well, demanding an enquiry. The EC however did not take cognizance of his complaint. He has hence approached the High Court, demanding a direction to the EC to conduct an enquiry and file a report before the Court.