Lucknow: A complaint was Saturday filed with the Election Commission, accusing Gujarat cadre Indian Police Services (IPS) officer Sanjeev Bhatt for violating service rules by accompanying his wife as she went to file her nomination for the forthcoming assembly polls.
In her complaint to the ECI, social activist Nutan Thakur alleged that the act also amounted to "corrupt" election practices.
"This act of the officer, seeking votes is not only unbecoming of an official but also violated section 123 (7)(a) and 123(7)(d) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 making any assistance (other than the giving of vote) by a gazetted officer and a police officer for the furtherance of the prospects of that candidate`s election `corrupt practices`," she said.
Thakur further told IANS that section 129 (2) of this Act declares assistance by a police officer an electoral offence punishable up to six months imprisonment.
She also said rule 5 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968 clearly spells out says that no IAS or IPS officer shall aid or assist in any other manner in any political activity or shall canvass in an election.
Thakur said that the acts of Bhatt`s prima-facie seem to be clear cut violation of these laws and hence the Election Commission and home ministry must take all appropriate legal action, including registration of an FIR, administrative action etc for their criminal, electoral and administrative misconduct.
She also said that if appropriate action is not taken, it will lead to huge indiscipline in services and will adversely affect the reputation of these organizations.
In a surprise move, Congress had Thursday nominated Shweta Bhatt, wife of Bhatt, who has been sought to raise the alleged role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 post-Godhra riots, to contest the Maninagar seat against Modi.
IANS
