48-hr ultimatum for EC over appointments

But there is a hitch: The model code of conduct is valid till February 27, the day votes are counted.

So Haryana government wrote to the EC seeking its opinion on the issue with a time-frame ultimatum attached. Sources said, the bureaucracy refused to sign on Chautala’s decision to clear the appointments in a hurry without a clearance from the EC.

The Commission will give its decision by tomorrow. ‘‘We have to think of its implication on future elections as well. It can be interpreted as a case of bribery or doling out of promises made during the election campaign or directed to influence the polling process. Therefore, we have to study the request on a case-to-case basis,’’’ a senior EC official said.

However, the Commission admits that some of the appointments could be routine affair. ‘‘There is no legal bar on the appointments, except for the fact the model code of conduct is in force as the election process is not over,’’ the officials said, adding that it has other larger implications.

The Chautala government, obviously, went by the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s January 21 order which said that the code does not put any restriction on the government on appointments and postings.

Subsequently, the Commission issued an order on January 28 putting a blanket ban on appointments, transfers and announcements of relief measures and government policies while the election process in on.