The CPM had submitted a list of over 800 intending candidates, claiming that they were prevented from filing nominations at the designated offices and thus, had sent their documents to the SEC through email. Photo: AFPKolkata: The Calcutta high court on Tuesday created a precedent by ruling that the West Bengal State Election Commission ought to have treated as legitimate nominations filed by email, rejecting the commission’s argument that there was no provision under the laws of the state to accept nominations sent by electronic messaging. The commission itself had admitted to disruptions by extending the window for filing of nominations by a day, the judges pointed out. It is not immediately clear if the commission or the state government will move the Supreme Court challenging the verdict. Opposition parties have alleged that their candidates were forcibly blocked from filing nominations and have sought judicial intervention.

Source: Mint May 08, 2018 10:07 UTC