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SC to examine powers of EC to curb hate speech
Why in news?
- The Supreme Court gave the Election Commission of India (ECI) exactly 24 hours to explain its lawyer’s submissions that the poll body is largely “powerless” and “toothless” to act against religious and hate speeches by candidates during the on-going Lok Sabha election campaigning.
- The court was hearing a petition filed by a non-Resident Indian (NRI) Harpreet Mansukhani, highlighting the increase in hate and divisive speeches in the name of religion in the Lok Sabha elections of 2019.
- The petition had called for strict action against political leaders and party representatives spreading hatred on religious and caste lines through the media, especially social media platforms.
More in news
- Powers of Election Commission of India:(1) The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for administering elections in India according to the rules and regulations mentioned in the Constitution of India.(2) According to Article 324 of Indian Constitution, the Election Commission of India has superintendence, direction, and control of the entire process for conduct of elections to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.
- Functions:(1) The Election Commission of India is considered the guardian of free and reasonable elections.(2) It issues the Model Code of Conduct in every election for political parties and candidates so that the decorum of democracy is maintained.(3) It regulates political parties and registers them for being eligible to contest elections.(4) It publishes the allowed limits of campaign expenditure per candidate to all the political parties and monitors the same.
- Powers:(1) The Commission can repress the results of opinion polls if it deems such an action fit for the cause of democracy.(2) The Commission can recommend for disqualification of members after the elections if it thinks they have violated certain guidelines.(3) In case, a candidate is found guilty of dishonest practices during the elections, the Supreme Court and High Courts consult the Commission.(4) The Commission can postpone candidates who fail to submit their election expense accounts timely.
Source
The hindu.