Parties using children for poll work will lose symbols, says EC

After being asked by the Bombay High Court to explain action against political parties for engaging children in election campaigns or poll-related work, the Election Commission (EC) Tuesday informed the court that it can de-recognise parties found violating norms. This would mean that such parties cannot use their symbols during polls.

Justices A S Oka and G S Kulkarni were informed by EC lawyer Pradeep Rajgopal that in case of a violation of any direction issued by the EC, action can be taken against the political party under Section 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. “The recognition given to the parties will be withdrawn. This means that the recognised party will lose its reserved symbol,” said the affidavit filed by Rajgopal. ENS