EC seeks power to initiate contempt proceedings

New Delhi: Defending its decision to seek powers to initiate contempt proceedings against political parties levelling allegations against the Election Commission without evidence, the poll body on Thursday said it is the best way to defend itself against such unfounded claims.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said it is not a question of seeking powers to punish somebody under the Contempt of Court Act, but a question of levelling unfounded allegations.

The commission can go for defamation if it wants, but having contempt of court powers is the best way out, Mr Zaidi said when asked why the commission wrote to the Centre seeking powers to initiate contempt proceedings against those who have questioned the neutrality of the body.

The poll body had written to the Centre asking it to amend the election laws so that it can use the Contempt of Court Act against such parties.

On the office of profit case against 20 AAP MLAs, Mr Zaidi said a decision would be taken on the next date of hearing. The commission earlier said it would hear the pleas of the AAP legislators despite the Delhi high court setting aside their appointment as parliamentary secretaries.

The CEC also said it would decide on the issue of the AIADMK’s symbol war after going through the documents filed by both factions.