The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the Election Commission of India’s response to a plea filed by the Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh, which has sought the allotment of a poll symbol for the upcoming Bihar elections.
Justice Mini Pushkarna issued notice to the Election Commission and directed it to submit its response by October 9, when the matter will be taken up for further hearing.
Petitioner Challenges EC’s Rejection
The court was informed that the Election Commission had earlier rejected ABJS’s request for a common election symbol, citing internal disputes within the party.
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel argued that the dispute was no longer relevant, as Sameer Singh Chandel, who was at the centre of the alleged rift, had been expelled from the party and “has no concern with the party’s affairs after his expulsion.”
The judge then sought the EC’s stand on this fresh plea after noting the petitioner’s submissions.
Party’s History & Symbol Demand
The plea stated that the Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh was originally established in 1951 and renamed in 1979, maintaining its political presence by contesting elections across the country since its inception.
It further mentioned that the party had participated in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, for which the Election Commission had allotted it the “sitar” as a common election symbol.
The petitioner argued that the party’s constitutional and statutory rights allow it to contest elections, and the denial of a poll symbol would effectively deprive it of the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Prior Proceedings
In August, Justice Pushkarna had already sought the Election Commission’s response on another plea by ABJS seeking permission to use a common election symbol in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls.
With the EC now asked to file its formal reply, the court will hear the matter again on October 9, deciding whether the Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh will be allowed to use its requested symbol in the Bihar elections.
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