The High Court on Thursday dismissed the petition filed by the BJP challenging the notice, issued by the returning officer, asking the party to remove the flag being hoisted outside the party headquarters in Malleswaram as it is located within 100 meters of a polling station.
The counsel representing the State Election Commission (SEC) argued that Section 46 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, does not allow any political party flag or symbol to be displayed within 100 meters of a polling station.
The petitioner contended that the ever since the BJP State unit started functioning out of the building in 2011, the party flag is being exhibited and it has nothing to be with the upcoming elections. The election commission had issued a notice asking the party office to remove the flag for two days and to cover the party symbols.
Justice Raghavendra S Chauhan, stating that the notice issued by the election commission has reasonable restrictions to hold a free and fair elections, dismissed the
BJP’s contentions.
Published 20 August 2015, 19:30 IST