A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Allahabad High Court, calling for the disqualification of all 99 Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) who were elected in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The petitioner, Bharti Devi from Fatehpur district, argues that the Congress party's 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee Scheme,' launched during the election campaign, constitutes bribery under Indian law.

According to the PIL, the 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee Scheme' involved the distribution of guarantee cards that promised various financial and material benefits to voters in exchange for their support. The petition claims that this promise amounts to bribery under Section 123(1)(A) of the Representation of People's Act, 1951, and is punishable under Sections 171B and 171E of the Indian Penal Code.

Bharti Devi has called for the disqualification of all 99 Congress MPs, alleging that they benefited from the scheme, and she has also requested criminal proceedings against them. The PIL argues that the election of these MPs was secured through unlawful means, undermining the integrity of the democratic process.

The PIL also criticises the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its alleged failure to act against the Congress's campaign tactics. Despite the ECI issuing an advisory on May 2, 2024, warning political parties against such practices, the petition accuses the ECI of neglecting its constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections. The petitioner claims that the ECI's inaction compromised the fairness of the electoral process, calling into question the role of the ECI in maintaining electoral integrity.

In addition, the PIL seeks a court directive for the ECI to suspend or withdraw the Congress party's recognition as a political party under Section 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This measure, the petitioner argues, is necessary to protect the democratic process and prevent the misuse of electoral promises to gain power.

This legal challenge has highlighted concerns over the ECI's role in regulating election campaigns and upholding the principles of democracy. The Allahabad High Court is expected to take up the PIL soon, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of electoral practices in India, potentially setting a precedent for how campaign promises are scrutinized and enforced by the judiciary.

Image source: ANI