Disturbances shock EC

MUMBAI, JULY 31: The Election Commission has taken serious cognisance of stray incidents of violence and forced bandhs in some parts of the metropolis on Friday.

A senior official confirmed that the Election Commission had expressed surprise and shock over the law and order situation in Mumbai where members of the ruling Shiv Sena and BJP resorted to violence to protest against the EC8217;s decision to debar Sena supremo Bal Thackeray from contesting as well as voting in the forthcoming elections.

The commission questioned as to how meetings and processions were permitted when prohibitory orders were in force in the city.