Delhi High Court Receives PIL Seeking Restraint on Opposition's Use of 'INDIA' Acronym for Alliance
The Delhi High Court has taken up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that calls for restraining opposition parties from using the acronym INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) for their alliance. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, has issued notice to 26 political parties and the Election Commission of India, seeking their response on the matter. The PIL, filed by activist Girish Bharadwaj through advocate Vaibhav Singh, contends that the use of the name INDIA by opposition parties for their alliance could lead to adverse effects on the peaceful, transparent, and fair casting of votes during the upcoming 2024 general elections. Bharadwaj also argues that such usage is prohibited under Sections 2 and 3 of The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1950. The petition highlights statements by prominent leaders like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who allegedly linked their alliance name with the nation's name, leading to confusion among the public. The petitioner had initially approached the Election Commission of India with a representation on this matter, but no action was taken, prompting him to seek redress through the court.
TAGS: Delhi High Court PIL INDIA acronym opposition alliance Election Commission activist Girish Bharadwaj advocate Vaibhav Singh general elections 2024 Emblems and Names Act Mamata Banerjee Rahul Gandhi confusion Election Commission of India.
