NHRC issues notice to Election Commission over violation of COVID-19 guidelines in the elections

NHRC claimed that the Election Commission is violating Article 14 and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

On Saturday, April 10, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asked for action from Chief Election Commissioner and the Union Home Secretary for the election process and COVID-19 guidelines for the election process.

Elections are still going on in many states. Acting on the petition filled by human rights lawyer and Supreme Court advocate, Radhaknata Tripathy, the apex panel of NHRC asked for reports from Election Commission and Union Secretary within four weeks.

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Radhakanta Tripathy pointed out the irregularities happening during election campaigns and added even “Do Gaj Duri” is also not followed in the election campaign.

Tripathy claimed that due to negligence and failure of the Election Commission of India, Government of India and State Government, corona infection is increasing and people are suffering from it.

NHRC has sought that more than 41 countries in the world have delayed and postponed the elections due to surge of Covid-19 cases. He further added that without tracking, tracing and vaccinating the people, Election Commission is conducting elections in several states.

He also sought for rescheduling the election process or consider the alternative voting processes and procedures to protect voters from spreading the virus at the polling stations.

Supreme Court Advocate Radhakanta Tripathy also cited for the violation of fundamental rights ensured to every citizen under the Article of 14 and 21 of Constitution of India. He also cited that there is no limitation in public gatherings in election rallies at any place where elections is going on.

Elections are being held in five states, i.e., West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

In the last 24 hours, according to MoHFW, India has recorded a massive surge of 145,384 Covid-19 cases and India’s tally now stands at 13,205,926. Active cases are nearing the 1 million mark. India is now the 4th worst hit country in terms of active cases.