Read Time: 02 minutes

The Uttarakhand high court on Wednesday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider banning large public meetings and allowing only virtual rallies for the state assembly elections expected to be held next month.

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra and Justice Alok Verma made the observation while hearing litigations filed by different parties seeking delaying the assembly elections amid rising Covid-19 cases in the hill state.

In the application, Advocate Shiv Bhat noted that political parties were flouting basic Covid protocols and it was necessary to delay the elections considering the health of citizens. The application also sought directiona for campaigns to be held virtually.

Let the Election Commission of India consider issuing appropriate directions prohibiting a large public rallies for ensuing the election for the Uttarakhand State Legislative Assembly. The Election Commission shall also consider for issuing appropriate directions for campaigning in virtual mode. We also request the Election Commission of India to consider the alternative of virtual voting in future,” the bench said.

Case Title: Sachdanand Dabral v Union of India