HC disposes of DMK plea seeking direction to monitor bypoll

The Madras High Court today disposed of a writ petition filed by DMK praying that it monitor the December 4 Yercaud bypoll in view of alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct by the ruling party.
"Since the Election Commission of India has made it clear that all arrangements will be made to conduct the election in a free, fair and transparent manner by enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, there is no need to issue any particular direction to the commission," Justice K K Sasidharan said.
The judge state this while disposing of a petition by T K S Elangovan, DMK Headquarters secretary said.

The judge said the EC has agreed to assess the situation from time to time and issue directions, taking into account the exigency of the situation. In view of submissions on behalf of the EC and steps taken to conduct the poll in a transparent manner, a situation has not arisen to issue any direction to EC to act in a particular manner, he said.
The DMK had sought a direction to authorities that apart from deploying CRPF personnel, checkposts be put up at all entry points to the constituency, live webcast be provided in presence of representatives of candidates at the Collectorate, Salem, there should be video coverage of polling, counting and declaration of results supervised by independent observers from other states, to be monitored by the court and to file a report to the Court.

Elangovan alleged that there was violation of the Model Code and various instructions issued by the EC. He said under the guise of election work, state ministers and the entire Cabinet were "extracting" work from officials present there.
He further submitted that the ruling party was distributing freebies to the public through the officials and there were reports of money distribution to voters.
He also alleged that attempts are being made to include new voters who are non-residents and hence prayed for a direction from the court to monitor the bypoll.