The Madras High Court has reserved it order on the AIADMK petition challenging the Election Commission (EC) order on painting of leaves on government-run ‘small buses’ to March 25.
Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar on Friday defended Election Commission’s decision to conceal painting of leaves on the buses stating that they are likely to be confused with the ‘two leaves’ symbol of the AIADMK.
In affidavit filed on behalf of The Chief Election Commissioner on Friday before the first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Satish K Agnihotri and Justice M M Sundaresh, Kumar submitted that the decision to conceal the painting of leaves on buses was taken in order to ensure level-playing field among all political parties.
The EC passed the order to conceal the paintings of leaves on the buses plying in Chennai so that it does not become mobile advertisement for the party, Kumar submitted.
The affidavit was filed after teh Madras High Court has directed the Election Commission to submit details on the basis of which it had decided to conceal the painting on the buses.