AMN
The Election Commission has decided to take cognisance of complaints, which indicate serious omission on the part of the candidate. The Commission said, it will refer such matters to the relevant investigating authorities on a case-to-case basis.
The Election Commission at its meeting in New Delhi today discussed the matter of taking cognizance of complaints of false affidavits filed by some candidates along with their nominations, which adversely affects the rights of voters as well as impinging on the purity of electoral process.
The Commission decided to robustly address the “challenge of false information in election affidavits to further ensure free, fair and ethical elections in the country. In a statement, the Commission said, it has been receiving complaints regarding false information in affidavits filed by some candidates.
Currently, one has to file such complaints in a court under section 125A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 for necessary action. It said, now, the Commission has reviewed this position and decided that, in pursuit of a level-playing field, it will take cognisance of complaints.