SC directs EC to frame guidelines for regulating contents of election manifestos

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Election Commission (EC) to frame guidelines for regulating contents of manifestos of political parties.

The apex court bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam said that freebies promised by political parties in their election manifestos shake the roots of free and fair polls.

The apex court said, though the election manifesto is published before the code of conduct comes into force, the Commission could make an exception by bringing it within the code of conduct.

It also said that separate legislation should be made on this issue.

The bench, however, dismissed the plea challenging AIADMK's decision to implement poll promise of free household items to voters.

It said that under the present law, promises of freebies made in the manifesto, do not amount to corrupt practices.