EC can permit fuel price cut despite poll

The government will have to seek permission from the Election Commission before moving any further in its plans to slash the prices of motor and cooking fuel.

The reduction of the fuel prices is being considered in view of the falling prices in the international crude market.

The Commission’s permission is needed as the government as well as political parties have to abide by the moral code of conduct for election to the State Legislative Assemblies of five states - Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Delhi in November-December.

The moral code has come into effect from October 14, the day election schedule was announced by the Commission.

However the Election Commission sources said, "If the government is able to convince us that the decision is being taken in larger public interest and not aimed at enticing the voters in any manner, we can give exemption."

The Commission had recently allowed the government to raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of paddy by Rs 50 per quintal. "The government written to us and sought permission from us for raising the MSP to which we had no objection," sources said.

Sources said there were number of precedents of such an exemption.