Delhi HC trashes plea to bar MPs, MLAs from campaigning

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea that sought a ban on central and state lawmakers from participating in election campaigns.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar dismissed the plea by saying it did not complain of violation of any constitutional/statutory right.

The plea filed by retired police Sub-Inspector Mohan Singh Sharma claimed that members of Parliament and assemblies are "public servants" under the law and therefore sought court directions to the Centre to issue orders to prohibit them from participating in election campaigns, except to the extent of casting votes.

The plea said that the elected representatives should not try to gain political mileage by indulging in political activities during their terms in Parliament and assemblies.

"... members of Parliament and assemblies are public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and should be treated as such like other servants of the government."

"It should be presumed that they will only work for the nation and not for any political party during the term of his/her office," the petitioner contended.

--IANS

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