Gill writes to PM on withdrawing petition on model code

The government has been contending that the code, which restricts announcement of populist schemes and use of official machinery for election propaganda, be enforced from the notification of the polls.

Dr Gill noted that while several parties, including the Congress, were happy with the present 30-day gap between announcement and notification of elections, others like the BJP had said the EC should try to reduce the gap to about 15 days.

Noting that the gap had never exceeded a month, the CEC said 8220;as you will see, on this short point, the difference between the two positions, is not a substantial and essential one. The commission has always been sensitive to the opinions of recognised political parties, particularly the national ones, and will keep the views expressed in this meeting in mind, at the time of deciding future elections.

8220;I would, therefore, suggest for your consideration that since for the first time in 50 years, we have a clear publicly known position, of the government of India and the Election Commission, resolving issues by discussion and broad agreement, you may like to suggest to the Law Minister, the advisability of withdrawing this appeal against the Punjab High Court judgement filed by the Government of India before the Supreme Court in October 1997.8221;

The Centre had in 1997 appealed to the Supreme Court against a Punjab and Haryana High Court judgement, which upheld the EC8217;s view that the model code of conduct should be implemented from the date of announcement of the poll schedule.