EC requests Madras HC to restrain media from covering oral conversations

In its petition, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said it was aggrieved with media reports stating the poll body was solely responsible for the Covid-19 situation prevailing in the country and its officers should "probably" be booked for murder charges.

The ECI has also argued that there is nothing which can suggest the election campaigning was the only factor leading to the spike in Covid-19 cases in states, which went to polls.

"These reports have tarnished the image of the Election Commission of India as an independent constitutional agency that is entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of conducting elections," said the poll body as quoted by NDTV.

Slamming the poll body over its way of conducting elections in various parts of India, the Madras High Court on Monday held ECI officers solely responsible for the Covid-19 second wave, which has crippled the country.

"Election Commission singularly responsible for Covid-19 second wave, officers should be booked for murder probably," the high court had said, coming down heavily upon the poll body.

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee, who was visibly angry, had asked the EC counsel as quoted by Live Law, "Were you on another planet when the election rallies were held?"

"Public health is of paramount importance and it is distressing that constitutional authorities have to be reminded in such regard. It is only when a citizen survives that he'll be able to enjoy the rights that a democratic republic guarantees," the Chief Justice had said and added, " The situation now is of survival and protection. Everything else comes next."

Four states- Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu- and union territory Puducherry went to assembly polls between Mar 27 and Apr 29 and the results will be declared on May 2.