By Rajesh Pandey
A PIL seeking the disqualification of 99 Congress Members of Parliament (MPs), who benefitted from Ghar, Ghar Guarantee Scheme, which involves the distribution of guarantee cards promising various financial and material benefits in exchange of votes have been filed before the Allahabad High Court. As per PIL, the said promise amounts to bribery under the Representation of People’s Act, therefore, the 99 Congress MPs must be declared disqualified as per the existing law.
The PIL has also sought direction against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of failing to act against the Indian National Congress (INC) over its controversial ‘Ghar Ghar Guarantee’ scheme.
The public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Bharti Devi of Fatehpur district has also called for urgent judicial intervention to uphold electoral integrity.
The PIL is likely to be taken up by the court soon.
The PIL argues that the ‘Ghar Ghar Guarantee’ scheme, which involves the distribution of guarantee cards promising various financial and material benefits in exchange for votes, amounts to ‘bribery’ under section- 123(1)(A) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and is punishable under Sections 171B and 171E of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
“Despite the ECI’s advisory issued on May 2, 2024, warning political parties against such practices, the petition alleges that the INC continued its distribution of these cards, compromising the fairness of the electoral process”, the PIL alleged.
The petitioner criticizes the ECI for its inaction, accusing it of neglecting its constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections. The PIL seeks directions from the court to compel the ECI to suspend or withdraw the INC’s recognition as a ‘political party’ under Section 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Additionally, it calls for the disqualification of 99 INC Members of Parliament, who have allegedly benefited from these practices, and the initiation of criminal proceedings against those responsible.
This legal challenge highlights the growing concern over the ECI’s role in maintaining electoral integrity, urging the court to take decisive action to protect the democratic process in India.
