No power to act against Sanjiv Bhatt, says EC

The Election Commission has ruled out the possibility of taking action against Sanjiv Bhatt, suspended IPS officer, in the backdrop of such demands after Mr. Bhatt allegedly canvassed for his wife Shweta, who has been pitted by the Congress against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the ensuing Assembly polls.

Informed sources said Mr. Bhatt had been under suspension since August 8, 2011, and unlike other serving police officers (right from Director General of Police to the constable) in Gujarat, he would not come under the control of EC from the day when the Assembly polls were announced (October 3). Since he was under suspension, it was for the State government or the controlling authority concerned to decide whether any action should be taken against him under the all India service rules if at all he had campaigned/indulged in any political activity. “As far as the EC is concerned, we have no role to play as of now,” sources added.

‘Bhatt violated laws’

Allahabad Correspondent writes:

Social activist Nutan Thakur on Saturday alleged that Mr. Bhatt had violated administrative and electoral laws.

In a letter to the Election Commission, Union government, and Chief Secretary, Gujarat, Dr. Thakur said, “the acts of the Bhatts

prima facie seem to be clear-cut violation of Section 123 (7) (a) and 123 (7) (d) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.”

“Under these laws, a gazetted officer or a police officer making any assistance [other than giving vote] for the furtherance of the prospects of the candidate's election is defined under “corrupt practices.”