New Delhi: Election Commission of India bans all victory processions on or after the day of the counting of votes, on May 2nd. A detailed order in this will be released soon as per the latest information.
In view of the Covid crisis in the country, the ECI has decided to ban victory processions to avoid any large gatherings.
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According to the order, the Election Commission said, "no victory procession after counting on 2.5.2021 will be permissible" and the winning candidate can accompanied by only two persons to receive the election certificate.
In the notice directed to the Chief Electoral Officers of all states/UTs, the ECI said that it had added new provisions to the guideline made in August 2020. "In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases throughout the country, the Commissions has decided to make more strigent provisions to be followed during the process of counting," it read.
The order comes after, the Madras High Court on Monday slammed the Election Commission for holding elections in the 5 states and allowing political rallies drawing huge crowds. The court said that the poll body is to be held "singularly responsible" for the Covid-19 second wave, with which the country is currently struggling. The court even went on to say that the 'officers of EC should probably be booked for murder'.
The Court has also warned to stop the vote-counting on May 2nd if EC fails to provide a blueprint of a plan to follow Covid guidelines on Result Day.
"Public health is paramount. Distressing that constitutional authorities ought to be reminded," the court said.
The High Court further directed the Election Commission of India and Tamil Nadu Chief Election Officer to consult with the Health Secretary and draft a Covid-19 protocol for the counting day and submit the same on April 30.