Doctors take precautions against MMC poll malpractices

Nine executive members are elected to the MMC by around 75,000 registered medical practitioners in the state, who cast their ballots either by post or in person. The MMC is the apex body governing the medical profession and has extensive powers with regard to quasi-judicial inquiries. It also has the power to impose punitive measures, apart from prescribing a code of ethics for the professional conduct of doctors.

In the present case, the petitioners point out that there were several complaints of malpractices in the previous MMC elections including charges that voters had received ballot papers which had already been marked against the names of certain candidates. One Dr Bhimashankar Muley of Pune had even filed a civil suit in which he had alleged that the ballot paper he received had contained marks in favour of four contesting doctors.

It was also alleged that some agents8217; had been collecting blank ballot papers from doctors in rural areas and had cast votes on their behalf by marking the ballots in the names of certain candidates. In instances where the ballots cast were not to their liking, the votes were invalidated, the petition states.

Also, the electoral rolls were not verified and votes were even cast in the names of doctors who had either died, retired or had gone abroad. A random check had revealed that in some instances, signatures on the ballot papers did not tally with the voters8217; registered signatures but the registrar had refused to take cognisance of this complaint. Also, dozens of votes which bore no postage stamps and which were held at the Girgaum post office were collected by a candidate, Dr S N Deshmukh in his personal capacity, the petition adds.

All these complaints had been brought to the notice of the MMC Registrar, A R Karekar, who was also the returning officer. However, no action was taken on any of the complaints and the same person has been appointed as the returning officer for the forthcoming elections as well. The petitioners have therefore expressed fear that similiar malpractices could be repeated.

To ensure free and fair elections, the petitioners point out that an independent electoral officer can be appointed or alternatively an independent returning officer, who will function under the directions of the court. Neutral observers could also be appointed to monitor the entire election process, the petition states.

The election process has already commenced, with candidates already filing their nominations. Ballot papers are likely to be posted shortly. However, the election dates are yet to be announced.