No lapse, undue haste in granting recognition to AAP: EC to HC

The Election Commission today sought dismissal of a plea seeking cancellation of Aam Aadmi Party's registration, saying there is "no lapse or any undue haste" in granting recognition to the party.
The EC informed a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw in response to the PIL seeking quashing of the registration of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP on the ground that it had allegedly used forged documents to register itself.
"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 EC said in its affidavit.

The poll panel also said that though petitioner Hans Raj Jain made the allegations against AAP, 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."
Taking note of EC's submission, the court said that it will consider the arguments made by both the parties and pass an appropriate order.

"Will consider the matter. Judgement reserved," the court said.
The court had asked the EC to give complete details of registration of AAP with it.
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.

Jain had alleged that "registration of AAP was allowed (by the EC) in a hurried manner on the basis of false and fabricated documents without making any proper enquiries".
He had claimed that there were discrepancies in residential addresses given by some AAP members in their affidavits when compared to the addresses given in their voter identity cards or income tax returns.
Jain had sought initiation of disciplinary action against EC officials for allegedly failing to verify documents submitted by AAP members.