Govt for larger SC bench on poll Ordinance

Defending the poll reforms Ordinance framed after an all-party consensus, the Union Government has submitted before the Supreme Court that its legality should not be tested on the basis of the court’s May 2 judgement which envisages giving more information by candidates contesting polls.

Addl Solicitor General Kirit Raval said last week, ‘‘As there’s a conflict between earlier opinions rendered by the court and the May 2 order, the issues should be referred to a Constitution bench with not less than five judges as members.’’