MCC violation: Cong MP moves SC against Modi, Shah

Congress MP Sushmita Dev on Monday moved the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Election Commission to act on complaints filed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for "egregious" statements in violation of the model code of conduct.

A bench presided over by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi put the writ petition for consideration on Tuesday, April 30.

Making a mention for urgent hearing, Singhvi contended on her behalf that the EC did not act despite party approaching it five times since the election process began.

As many as 12 complaints were filed, he said.

Initially, Singhvi by making oral mention did not name Modi and Shah, the bench said, "Why don't you clearly take the names. We will hear you last."

"You should stop this game of hide and seek," the bench said.

In her plea, Dev said it was in public domain that Modi and Shah have indulged in hate speeches, repeatedly used the armed forces for political propaganda, despite a clear prohibition by the EC.

"The Prime Minister in blatant violation of the MCC held a rally on the day of polling in Gujarat on April 23rd, 2019 i.e. date of voting for the third phase of the election," she said.

The petitioner claimed the Indian National Congress has moved over 40 representations to the Election Commission since the proclamation of the Model Code of Conduct.

But there have been inactions for more than three weeks with regard to superintendence, direction and conduct of General Elections, 2019.

"Inaction, and omissions by the EC, despite being the Constitutional watch dog for ensuring free and fair elections, has become a tool in the hands of the dispensation to facilitate violation of the provisions of the Constitution, the provisions of the Act and the Rules," she contended.