No lapse in granting recognition to AAP: EC tells HC

There was no undue haste in granting recognition to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which had complied with all requirements, the Election Commission today told the Delhi High Court.
The EC filed an affidavit on this before a bench headed by Chief Justice G Rohini in response to a PIL seeking quashing of the registration of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party on the ground that it had filed forged and fabricated documents with the poll panel.
"It is submitted that registration to AAP was granted after completing all requisite formalities and requirements. There is no lapse or any undue haste on the part of the Commission's office in this regard, as alleged or at all," the affidavit, filed by Ashish Chakraborty, Secretary EC, said.

The poll panel also said though petitioner Hans Raj Jain has made allegations against AAP, but "he has not impleaded the party as a respondent."
It also urged the high court to dismiss the plea saying "there is no contravention of any provision of the law."
"In view of the legal position and submissions made, it is humbly submitted that there is no case for any direction to the answering respondent (EC) and it is prayed that the court may be pleased to dismiss the petition with costs," it said.

The bench, also comprising Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw, asked the EC to file the affidavit in the registry and fixed the PIL for further hearing on July 30.

The court had on March 21 asked the EC to give complete details of registration of AAP with it.
The poll panel will have to state in its affidavit whether it acted in accordance with law while registering the party.
The court was hearing the plea of Jain, who had alleged that provisions of State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act has been violated by AAP as its registration application contained the 'chakra' logo as depicted in the national flag.