Latest news with #ModelCodeofConduct
Scroll.in
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Mau MLA Abbas Ansari disqualified from UP Assembly after conviction in hate speech case
Abbas Ansari, an MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Mau constituency and son of the gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, has been disqualified from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly after a court convicted him in a hate speech case, the Hindustan Times reported on Monday. On Saturday, Chief Judicial Magistrate KP Singh sentenced Abbas Ansari, a member of the Om Prakash Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, to two years in prison. The court held that while the Constitution granted the right to freedom of expression, it was not unrestricted. 'No one can say anything, anywhere, anytime,' Live Law quoted Singh as having said. 'There is no place for hate or provocative speech in the political field, and it becomes serious when the intention is to create disorder on the basis of religion and thus, influencing elections directly or indirectly.' The case pertained to a statement Abbas Ansari made during an election rally in Mau in March 2022, in which he told government officials that he would 'settle scores and teach them a lesson' after the elections, PTI reported. The Election Commission had imposed a 24-hour campaign ban on him after the remark, Maktoob Media reported. A first information report was filed against Abbas Ansari under the Indian Penal Code sections related to punishment for criminal intimidation, punishment for undue influence or personation at an election, obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions, threat of injury to public servant, promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, and punishment of criminal conspiracy. Apart from Abbas Ansari, the FIR also named more than 150 others, including his brother Umar Ansari and his election agent Mansoor Ahmed Ansari, according to Maktoob Media. The court on Saturday stated that Abbas Ansari had been found guilty of delivering a provocative speech, which was a serious offence. 'If senior officials appointed in the district, who are under the direct control of the Election Commission during the Model Code of Conduct period, are threatened with paybacks, then it certainly creates an indirect sense of fear among the voters as well,' Live Law quoted the bench as having said. A day later, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly issued a notification stating that Abbas Ansari had been disqualified, the Hindustan Times reported. Pradeep Dubey, the principal secretary of the Assembly, also said that the Mau seat had been declared vacant. Dubey added that the Election Commission had been informed about the vacancy and that it would issue a notification for holding an election. Abbas Ansari's father, Mukhtar Ansari, had a total of 65 cases against him and had been in jail since 2005 after he surrendered to the police in connection with a communal riot that took place in the town of Mau. On March 14 last year, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court for MPs and MLAs in the 34-year-old Ghazipur fake arms licence case. This was his seventh conviction over 18 months. The gangster-turned-politician died in custody at the Banda Medical College in Uttar Pradesh on March 28, 2024. Hospital authorities said he died of a cardiac arrest. A week before his death, Mukhtar Ansari had told a court in the Barabanki district that his health had deteriorated after he was served food allegedly laced with poison inside the prison, reported PTI. He had alleged that he was poisoned 40 days earlier as well.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Committee set up in Ludhiana to handle election seizures
LUDHIANA: In view of the upcoming Ludhiana West by-election and following the instructions in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Election Commission of India, the district administration of Ludhiana has constituted a four-member committee. This committee is tasked with handling cases related to the seizure of cash and other materials by flying squad teams (FST), static surveillance teams (SST), and excise teams to strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct, according to an official statement. As per the statement, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Amarjit Bains has been appointed as the chairman of the committee. District Treasury Officer Arun Kumar , ACFA Rakesh Kansal, and SO Shivinder Singh are its members. The statement further explained that, as per guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the committee will make decisions regarding the seizure and release of cash and other items confiscated during checks to avoid inconvenience to the general public. Election officials stated that the committee would examine each case of seizure by the police, FST, and SST on its own initiative. Upon confirming that the confiscated material was not linked to any political party or candidate, the committee would issue orders for the release of such seizures. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs กับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้ | เรียนรู้เพิ่มเติม IC Markets สมัคร Undo They added that if a concerned person presented any proof legitimising the seizure, the committee would decide on the release of such cash or other impounded material. Notably, carrying up to Rs 50,000 in cash requires no documentation. However, amounts between Rs 50,000 and Rs 10 lakh must be accompanied by valid proof, while cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh, even with documentation, will be reported to the Income Tax Department for further scrutiny by the seizing teams.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana west bypoll: Live webcasting from all polling booths to be ensured, says CEO
Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO), Sibin C, held a video conferencing meeting on Thursday with the deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer and the police commissioner of Ludhiana to review preparations for the byelection of the Ludhiana West assembly constituency. During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to conduct the election process in a peaceful and transparent manner in accordance with the Act, rules and guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI). He directed the district election officer to ensure proper arrangements at polling stations, counting halls and strong rooms. He also emphasised that 100% live webcasting from polling stations must be ensured for real-time monitoring. To facilitate voters, Sibin C directed that assured minimum facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, waiting areas, toilets and heat protection measures at polling stations must be ensured. He also called for strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols. Regarding strong room security, the CEO instructed that robust surveillance systems must be implemented. He further emphasised prompt action on any violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and swift redressal of related complaints. He instructed officials to maintain a close watch on paid news and to ensure adequate food and accommodation arrangements for polling staff. To boost voter participation, he directed officials to intensify Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities. The CEO instructed the Ludhiana police commissioner to enhance vigilance during the last 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to polling and until the conclusion of the election process. Orders were issued to increase security at checkpoints and to monitor the movement of outsiders in the constituency. He called for 24X7 CCTV surveillance to curb illegal transportation of drugs, liquor, cash and other inducements. The CEO stressed that any complaints of inducements such as cash or other materials to mislead voters must be dealt immediately. The deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer and the police commissioner assured the CEO that all necessary arrangements for the byelection have been completed and that the election process will be conducted strictly in line with the election commission's directions. The meeting was attended by ADGP-cum-state police nodal officer MF Farooqui, additional CEO Harish Nayar, joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, election officer Anju Bala and other officials from the CEO's office.
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Court raps Delhi police over inadequate probe in MCC violation case against law Minister Kapil Mishra
New Delhi [India], May 27 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue court on Monday criticised Delhi police for inadequate investigation in a matter related to a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation against Law Minister Kapil Mishra. This case relates to an objectionable tweet that Mishra posted. The court expressed its serious displeasure over the inadequate investigation in obtaining a report of X (Twitter) Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Vaibhav Mishra rapped the Delhi Police and directed them to send the order sheets for the commissioner of Delhi Police's perusal. ' Out of the ten dates afore-mentioned, this Court is appending only order-sheets of 20.03.2025 and 08.04.2025 and the order-sheet dated 04.03.2024, wherein the directions for the further investigation were laid down by my Learned Predecessor, for the kind perusal of Worthy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police and Worthy Joint Commissioner, Northern Range, for that will suffice,' ACJM Vaibhav Chaurasia ordered on May 26. During the hearing, the court noted, ' No one is present on behalf of the Investigating Agency to follow up the directions of further investigation and before any stringent remarks could be made upon the casual attitude of the Investigating Agency qua the directions of this Court, this Court is constrained to bring it to the notice of Worthy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police concerning the state of affairs and non-adequate explanation on the part of the Investigating Agency.' The court pointed out that on 20.03.2024, investigation qua para 9(d) was brought to the attention of the Worthy DCP, North West and a copy of the order sheet was also sent to the Joint Commissioner, Northern Range. The court added that on the last hearing date, April 8, assurance was revealed via the DCP's report that efforts were being made to obtain a report from Twitter, now X. Earlier on April 3, the court had directed for further investigation and in particular, during the course of arguments, emphasis has been laid on the adequacy of the investigation. Meanwhile on Monday the court said that it is impressed upon the Investigating Agency to atleast procure the relevant material which must be the part of the charge-sheet wherein the reasonable time limit had already been granted, as has been directed by this Court, and in the present case, it is pending from March 20, 2024 which is almost a year. 'In the case the Delhi Police fails to investigate or there is any impediment, the same be reported to this Court,' the court said. The court also sent a Copy of this order to the Joint Commissioner, Northern Range, to do what is necessary. The court has listed the matter for further arguments on charge and status report from the Joint Commissioner, Northern Range, under his signature be filed on July 7. On March 20, 2025, the court called for a Status report from DCP North West regarding procuring the material from X related to the tweet allegedly posted by the accused. The Rouse Avenue court on March 7 dismissed the revision against the summons filed by Mishra. He had challenged the Cognisance and Summoning order of the trial court. An appeal is now pending before the High Court. The trial court took cognisance of the charge sheet in 2020 for an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct. It is alleged that Kapil Mishra had made a statement in January 2020 when the model code of conduct was in force. ' The word 'Pakistan' is very skillfully weaved by the revisionist in his alleged statements to spew hatred, careless to communal polarisation that may ensue in the election campaign, only to garner votes,' the court had said while dismissing the revision. The Special Judge had dismissed the revision petition and said, ' The Election Commission is under a constitutional obligation to prevent the candidates from indulging in vitriolic vituperation with impunity, vitiating and contaminating the atmosphere for free and fair election. 'Therefore, this court is in complete agreement with the Trial Court that the complaint filed by the Returning Officer, notification of the Election Commission and other documents were sufficient to take cognisance of the offence punishable under section 125 of the RP Act. Accordingly, the instant revision petition is dismissed,' the revision court ordered on March 7, 2025. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi court slams police over weak investigation into MCC case involving Kapil Mishra
The Rouse Avenue court on Monday criticised Delhi police for inadequate investigation in a matter related to a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation against Law Minister Kapil Mishra. This case relates to an objectionable tweet that Mishra posted. The court expressed its serious displeasure over the inadequate investigation in obtaining a report of X (Twitter) Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Vaibhav Mishra rapped the Delhi Police and directed them to send the order sheets for the commissioner of Delhi Police's perusal. " Out of the ten dates afore-mentioned, this Court is appending only order-sheets of 20.03.2025 and 08.04.2025 and the order-sheet dated 04.03.2024, wherein the directions for the further investigation were laid down by my Learned Predecessor, for the kind perusal of Worthy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police and Worthy Joint Commissioner, Northern Range, for that will suffice," ACJM Vaibhav Chaurasia ordered on May 26. During the hearing, the court noted, " No one is present on behalf of the Investigating Agency to follow up the directions of further investigation and before any stringent remarks could be made upon the casual attitude of the Investigating Agency qua the directions of this Court, this Court is constrained to bring it to the notice of Worthy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police concerning the state of affairs and non-adequate explanation on the part of the Investigating Agency." The court pointed out that on 20.03.2024, investigation qua para 9(d) was brought to the attention of the Worthy DCP, North West and a copy of the order sheet was also sent to the Joint Commissioner, Northern Range. The court added that on the last hearing date, April 8, assurance was revealed via the DCP's report that efforts were being made to obtain a report from Twitter, now X. Earlier on April 3, the court had directed for further investigation and in particular, during the course of arguments, emphasis has been laid on the adequacy of the investigation. Meanwhile on Monday the court said that it is impressed upon the Investigating Agency to atleast procure the relevant material which must be the part of the charge-sheet wherein the reasonable time limit had already been granted, as has been directed by this Court, and in the present case, it is pending from March 20, 2024 which is almost a year. "In the case the Delhi Police fails to investigate or there is any impediment, the same be reported to this Court," the court said. The court also sent a Copy of this order to the Joint Commissioner, Northern Range, to do what is necessary. The court has listed the matter for further arguments on charge and status report from the Joint Commissioner, Northern Range, under his signature be filed on July 7. On March 20, 2025, the court called for a Status report from DCP North West regarding procuring the material from X related to the tweet allegedly posted by the accused. The Rouse Avenue court on March 7 dismissed the revision against the summons filed by Mishra. He had challenged the Cognisance and Summoning order of the trial court. An appeal is now pending before the High Court. The trial court took cognisance of the charge sheet in 2020 for an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct. It is alleged that Kapil Mishra had made a statement in January 2020 when the model code of conduct was in force. " The word 'Pakistan' is very skillfully weaved by the revisionist in his alleged statements to spew hatred, careless to communal polarisation that may ensue in the election campaign, only to garner votes," the court had said while dismissing the revision. The Special Judge had dismissed the revision petition and said, " The Election Commission is under a constitutional obligation to prevent the candidates from indulging in vitriolic vituperation with impunity, vitiating and contaminating the atmosphere for free and fair election. "Therefore, this court is in complete agreement with the Trial Court that the complaint filed by the Returning Officer, notification of the Election Commission and other documents were sufficient to take cognisance of the offence punishable under section 125 of the RP Act. Accordingly, the instant revision petition is dismissed," the revision court ordered on March 7, 2025.
