A fresh legal plea has been moved before the apex court concerning the systemic functioning and operational transparency of the country's election machinery. The public interest litigation calls for an independent expert committee to examine alleged institutional gaps within the poll body and demands immediate judicial intervention to guarantee free and fair polls nationwide.
Independent probe under a former Chief Justice
Filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, the petition requests the highest court to place the proposed inquiry committee under the leadership of a former Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge. The argument presented states that absolute public trust in the neutrality and credibility of the election regulator is non-negotiable for a robust democracy, making a judicial review essential to identify flaws and implement reforms.
Demand to ban religious symbols in campaigns
A major focal point of the petition is curbing the rise of communal polarization and sectarian rhetoric during election campaigns. The plea urges the Supreme Court to issue directives prohibiting political parties and candidates from exploiting religious identities, openly displaying sacred symbols, or making emotional appeals based on community lines to secure votes.
Strict action against hate speech and polarization
The petitioner has underscored that the poll panel must take prompt and effective action against attempts to manipulate vote banks by inflaming religious sentiments through hate speech. The submission stresses that election campaigns should remain strictly centered around developmental policies and public welfare rather than narrow agendas, setting the stage for potential hearings by the apex court in the coming days.
