Allahabad HC denies issuing general order for state govt. and EC

Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Friday said that it can not issue a general order directing state government and Election Commission of India for conducting free and fair election in the state and to arrest criminals who may interfere in conducting election peacefully.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice DB Bhosale and justice Yashwant Varma passed the above order while hearing a petition filed by Vidhyanchal, a resident of Deoria who appeared before Court in person.

The petitioner's plea was that he has collected data of increasing crime in the state and during the time of elections crimes like murder of rival political candidates or supporters increases. Hence, state government and police officials must be directed to keep a watch on candidates who have criminal history.

According to petitioner, political parties in state have given election tickets to many candidates with criminal history who may commit crime to create fear in the minds of voters to win election. Therefore, such candidates must be arrested by police to ensure free and fair elections in the state.

The Bench dismissed the PIL on the ground that it can not issue a general direction or advisory of the nature requested by petitioner.

However, Court clarified that if there is any specific case where a candidate is violating any law, one can always approach Court with his grievance