PIL filed in SC seeking postponement of polls until COVID-19 is contained

In a petition filed in the Supreme Court, Advocate D Narendra Reddy sought directions to be issued to National Disaster Management Authority’s National Executive Committee Chairman to ensure that no elections take place in the country until the coronavirus outbreak is contained.

New Delhi: A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the National Disaster Management Authority’s National Executive Committee Chairman to ensure that no elections take place in the country until the coronavirus outbreak is contained.

In his petition, Advocate D Narendra Reddy submits that NEC Chairman must be directed to issue necessary advisories to the state election commissions with regards to the suspension of electoral activities.

“Non-deferment of all types of elections throughout the country by the Respondent in the interest of the lives of the citizens would amount to a violation of constitutional rights and safeguards provided to the people under the Constitution of India in view of the observations of the Honourable Court that right to health is part and parcel of Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” read the petition.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India jumped to 24,447 on Saturday with 780 deaths.