NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on a plea against its single Bench decision setting aside the Election Commission’s order holding him guilty of filing incorrect expenses for the 2009 Assembly elections.
A Bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw sought Chavan’s response by October 31 on the plea challenging the HC’s September 12 verdict quashing the EC’s order and show cause notice issued to him in which he was given 20 days to respond to the allegations. The court has also issued notice to the EC on a fresh interim application moved by independent candidate Madhavrao Kinhalkar who alleged that the EC was not made party to the case before the single Bench while deciding the issue.
On September 12, the HC had set aside the EC order and show cause notice issued to Chavan saying the poll panel failed to comply with the Conduct of Elections Rules, according to which a candidate is entitled to an opportunity of an explanation within 20 days on whether expenses disclosed by him are correct, prior to giving a finding.
Relief for Gandhis
In another instance, the Delhi HC has extended the trial court order summoning Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and three others in a case relating to acquiring ownership of National Herald daily till November 3. Justice V P Vaish agreed to extend the interim order after counsel for Gandhis and others expressed their inability to conclude their arguments. While adjourning the matter, the court said it would hear the case on a regular basis from November 3 onwards.
BCI, BCD Reply Sought
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) on a PIL seeking to set aside a notification barring fresh law graduates of University of Delhi from being enrolled as lawyers.