New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Government, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and multiple opposition political parties in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The PIL seeks to direct these opposition parties to refrain from using the acronym I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) to represent their political coalition.
A bench comprising Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Amit Mahajan has called for responses from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the ECI, representing the Central Government. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on October 31, 2023.
However, in the matter, the court also sought the responses of opposition parties named on the petition. These parties include the Indian National Congress, TMC, RLD, JDU, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Aam Aadmi Party, JMM, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD, Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), PDP, JKNC, CPI, CPI(M), MDMK, Kongandau Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Indian Union Muslim League, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, All India Forward Bloc, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Mani), and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK).
The petitioner, Girish Upadhya, represented by Advocate Vaibhav Singh, alleges that several political parties are exploiting India’s national flag as the emblem for their alliance. This strategic manoeuvre is purportedly aimed at enticing and garnering sympathy and votes from innocent citizens. The petitioner argues that such tactics could potentially kindle political animosity, leading to strife.
The plea contends that the usage of the acronym India is malicious and detrimental to the nation’s reputation, both domestically and internationally. The petitioner asserts that if the term I.N.D.I.A is used in its abbreviated form, confusion may arise among the public. Should the I.N.D.I.A alliance face defeat in the 2024 general election, it could be misconstrued as a defeat for the entire country, potentially inciting political violence.
The petitioner underscores that I.N.D.I.A stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, an opposition coalition formed by leaders of 26 parties to contest against the BJP in the upcoming elections.
The petitioner further argues that the actions of these political parties have the potential to disrupt the peaceful and transparent casting of votes in the 2024 general election. This disruption could expose citizens to unwarranted violence and disrupt the country’s law and order.
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