Cong complains to EC on info heads’ appointment

With the Punjab government seeking the approval of Governor Shivraj Patil to appoint four new information commissioners,the Congress on Friday knocked at the doors of the Election Commission citing it as violation of the model code of conduct. The Congress legal cell,in a complaint submitted with the EC,has stated that the commissioners cannot be sworn in till March 9,till the poll process is completed.

“According to reports,the Punjab government made the recommendation for these appointments on December 23,when the imposition of poll code was looking imminent. It was clearly done with mala fide intentions. Since it was recommendatory in nature,it cannot be enforced during poll code. Why can’t the government wait till the poll process is completed,” Surjit Singh Siwach,cordinator of the legal cell said.

Acting on the complaint,the Chief Electoral Officer,Kusumjit Sidhu,has sought the government’s reply. The Punjab Governor had reportedly cleared the appointment of four information commissioners on Thursday. The state government had recommended four names – Surinder Avasthi (a journalist),Narinderjit Singh (retired IAS officer),Ravinder Negi and Harinder Singh Mann (lawyer) – for appointment as information commissioners. The file was sent to the Governor on December 23.