The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a PIL seeking strict action against political parties if their spokespersons and representatives deliver speeches and make remarks in media on religion and caste lines.
The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, also comprises Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna.
The bench issued a notice to the poll watchdog on a petition filed by Harpreet Mansukhani, who was represented by advocate Sanjay Hegde. The apex court has sought a response from the Election Commission by April 15.
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The petition also urged the top court to constitute a bench headed by former SC judges to keep a close watch and check the impartiality of the EC during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The 17th Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and will conclude on May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.