The Supreme Court on Wednesday again asked Ajit Pawar-led National Congress Party (NCP) to not use Sharad Pawar's name and pictures to fight the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
The bench of Justice Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan asked why names and pictures of Sharad Pawar were repeatedly used in online content put up by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
The court asked both the parties to focus on their side of the battlefield in elections and reminded them that voters are wise enough to see through any confusions.
"You try to stand up on your own legs, now that you have ideological differences with Sharad Pawar," the bench remarked after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Sharad Pawar's party pointed out that members of Ajit Pawar's NCP are using his image in online campaigns.
Justice Kant asked Singhvi if he thinks voters of Maharashtra do not know of the rift between the party? And how will the voters be confused if they are putting up candidates against each other.
"Look at it differently. Idea is to say Pawar family is one and votes sought on that name." Singhvi questioned Ajit Pawar's NCP's motive in using Sharad Pawar's names.
He further asked that should he now be approaching the police officer for compliance with the Supreme Court's judgment. The Supreme Court on many occasions has asked the NCP led by Ajit Pawar faction to put up ads in newspapers with disclaimers saying that the clock symbol is sub-judice. The court had also warned the Ajit Pawar faction against using Sharad Pawar's name for election campaigns.
On March 14, the Supreme Court had asked the National Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar to not use Sharad Pawar's Photograph and name.
Justice Kant after taking note of Singhvi's submissions said that a fact-finding enquiry may be required to check compliance on Ajit Pawar's part.
"Dr. Singhvi seems to be right on this...even in an old video, why is Sharad Pawar's name being repeatedly used?" Justice Kant asked.
Ajit Pawar's counsel said that it is an old Facebook page. And the party couldn't check. The bench however, said that the Ajit Pawar faction must ensure compliance for both old and new.
"You try to stand up on your own legs, now that you have ideological differences with Sharad Pawar," the bench remarked.
The court further said that people of this country are very wise and know how to vote and can differentiate between Sharad and Ajit Pawar.
"Order of court should be faithfully complied with and respected. We are not sure if videos influence or not and how much. You (Ajit Pawar's counsel) find out about those videos and do not use videos saying Sharad Pawar. Have a distinct political identity..." the bench said.
The court will again hear the matter next Tuesday.