HC says EC has no power to stop the GO on rice at two rupees

Kerala High Court today observed that prima facie the Election Commission has no power to interfere with the Government order to supply rice for Rs.2 per Kg.

The observation was made by a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice J Chelameswar on a petition filed by Rajaji Mathew Thomas, MLA from Ollur assembly constituency challenging the decision of the Election Commission to stop the implementation of the Government order to supply rice at Rs.2 per Kg.

The bench also directed the Election Commission to file a statement by March 18th.

The bench observed that it appears that the Government order was issued earlier to the coming into force of the model code of conduct.

The Court also asked the Election Commission why should be benefit granted to the poor be interdicted?

The Court also said benefits of larger interest cannot be interdicted by model code of conduct.

The petitioner had also contended that the Government decision was taken prior to the declaration of the election and coming into the force of the model code of conduct.

This fact was informed by the Chief Minister to the Election Commission of India also, the petitioner stated.