Breaching covid guidelines, SP granted notice by EC

The Samajwadi Party (SP) was issued a notice by the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday for violating Covid-19 norms at a virtual rally on Friday. The EC's notification comes after hundreds of supporters showed up for the election rally at the party's Lucknow headquarters. The SP, for example, held a 'virtual' gathering at which party president Akhilesh Yadav spoke.

The notification from the EC added that after evaluating the available material and extant directives in the case, the poll panel has decided to provide the party an opportunity to protect its position on the "violations" that occurred on Friday in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

The general secretary of the SP received a notification that read as follows, “Your explanation shall reach the Commission within 24 hours of receipt of this notice, failing which the Commission shall take appropriate decision in the matter without further reference to you.”

“…certain media reported violation of extant covid guidelines of the Commission in a public gathering in the office compound of Samajwadi Party at 19-Vikramaditya Marg under Gautampalli Police Station. Lucknow.”

In its letter, the EC stated that an urgent report from Uttar Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) was required.

The EC further stated that the CEO informed them that at the public event, the established Covid-19 protocols were "violated."

In light of the Covid-19 controversy, the EC had put a moratorium on political rallies, nukkad meetings, and roadshows till January 15. The embargo was extended until January 22nd on Saturday. 

THE EC notice says, “Whereas, available reports, prima-facie, suggest that the Samajwadi Party has violated the aforementioned lawful directions of the Commission; Now, therefore, the Commission, after considering the available material and extant instructions in the matter, has decided to provide you an opportunity to explain your stand regarding the said violations. Your explanation shall reach the Commission within 24 hours of receipt of this Notice, failing which the Commission shall take appropriate decision in the matter without further reference to you.”

When a significant number of unidentified Samajwadi Party (SP) workers arrived at the party office on Vikramaditya Marg on Friday, they were arrested for allegedly breaking the model code of conduct and Covid-19 guidelines. They are also charged with obstructing traffic by strewnly parked their automobiles.

The Election Commission of India has ordered the suspension of Dinesh Singh Bisht, the SHO of Gautampalli police station, for "dereliction of duty" after receiving a report from the Lucknow district magistrate on a poll code violation.