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Journalism of Courage
Haryana’s Commissioner for Persons with Disability M.S. Ahluwalia today passed an order restraining the Election Commission from conducting polls in the state till proper arrangements are for the physically-challenged.
The next date of hearing has been fixed on January 13 and Ahluwalia has demanded that an officer of not less than the rank of a Commissioner should appear before the Court of Commissioner for Persons with Disability.
‘‘The affidavit given by the Election Commission seems to be a hurriedly compiled document…Elections to the Haryana Assembly have been stayed till proper arrangements for the disabled are made,’’ Ahluwalia told Express.
One of the primary issues raised by the Commission is the introduction of voice-enabled EVMs to help blind voters.
‘‘The EC has said in its affidavit that such machines are not available in the country and have attached some documents supporting their argument. We are not satisfied with their response,’’ said Ahluwalia. This is the second time that Ahluwalia has ‘‘stayed’’ the election process. The first such order was passed on December 22, 2004 following which EC officials appeared before Ahluwalia for hearings at Gurgaon on December 27 and January 5.
Following the EC’s reply, Ahluwalia had yesterday announced that any polling booth that doesn’t provide ramps would invite countermanding of polls. This had given rise to hope that there would be no further roadblocks. However, today’s order has again sparked off a controversy on Ahluwalia’s jurisdiction.
“Both the EC and my office are constitutional bodies. However, by virtue of my having judicial powers, my powers supersede those of the EC,’’ Ahluwalia said.
Commission summons Chautala’s officers
NEW DELHI: Upset with the Haryana government for issuing tender notices after the state’s election dates were announced, the EC has summoned state officials for an explanation.
After showcause notices and directive to Haryana Chief Secretary, on Thursday the EC wanted an explanation on how the state’s PWD and Irrigation Department placed tender notices for various construction work opening as recently as January 25 and 27.
