Chennai: The Madras High Court today disposed
of a petition seeking a direction to Election Commission not
to exempt the Kalaignar Health Insurance Scheme from the
election code of conduct for the Tiruchendur and Vandavasi
assembly bypolls scheduled for December 19.
In its order, the First Bench headed by Chief Justice H L
Gokhale noted the submission of counsel for the EC that the
Commission had directed that no new cards be issued under the
scheme. Only in case of emergencies appropriate assistance
would be rendered on production of the income certificate.
Stating that in its view the clarification given by the
Commission took care of the petitioner's grievance, the Bench
disposed of the petition.
The petitioner, R Balasubramanian, an advocate, objected
to the representation given by DMK members of Parliament to
the Commission to consider exemption of the scheme in areas
where by-elections were due and asked the EC not to pay heed
to the representation.
If it was permitted, it would pave the way for corrupt
practices by the ruling party.
PTI
First Published: Friday, December 11, 2009, 00:30