New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Madhya Pradesh High Court order which directed political parties to hold only virtual campaigns for the by elections and barred the physical gatherings in view of COVID-19.
The apex court bench comprising of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari, and Sanjiv Khanna was hearing pleas filed by BJP leader and candidate from Gwalior, Pradyumn Singh Tomar and the Election Commission of India, who had challenged the High Court order contending it to be in violation of rights and the orders by the government and ECI.
The top court today asked the ECI to take appropriate measures in view of coronavirus and said that the High Court cannot take a call on elections.
"Public meetings need not be regulated, but see that the protocols are followed. Only you can ensure free and fair elections. High Court cannot take a call here. You need to set right the situation and check for illegalities and ask authorities to take action," observed the court.
Read: BJP virtual rally in Udaipur creates COVID scare as three workers test +ve
