The Calcutta High Court on Monday issued a directive preventing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from releasing any derogatory advertisements against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) until further notice.
Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its “gross failure” to promptly address the TMC’s complaints about the BJP’s advertisements, which targeted West Bengal’s ruling party.
In his order, Justice Bhattacharya expressed surprise at the ECI’s handling of the complaints, noting that resolving these issues after the elections were concluded was meaningless. Due to the ECI’s inaction, the court felt compelled to issue an injunction against the BJP.
The court observed that the BJP’s advertisements, disseminated during the ‘silence period’ (the day before and the day of polling), violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and infringed upon the TMC’s rights and the citizens’ right to fair elections.
“The statements and advertisements against the TMC are blatantly derogatory, clearly intended to insult opponents and make personal attacks. As these ads directly contradict the MCC and violate the rights of the petitioner and all citizens to a free, fair, and untainted election process, the BJP must be restrained from publishing such ads until further orders,” the court declared.
Further details will be provided as they become available.
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