Keywords: Karnataka High Court, Model Code of Conduct, JP Nadda, Assembly elections, BJP
On Monday the Karnataka High Court quashed an election code violation case against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda over a speech made to entice voters during a campaign in Harpanahalli town of Vijayanagar during the previous assembly elections.
Justice M Nagaprasanna ordered to quash the case filed by the Harpanahalli police station on a plea by JP Nadda.
JP Nadda delivered a speech on May 7, 2023, at an BJP election campaign meeting in Harpanahalli’s IB circle, focusing on the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections where he alledges that a dual-engine government would support Central government initiatives in the state, but voters would lose access to Central government schemes if BJP fails to win elections.
Over these remarks, the Election Officer filed a complaint with Harpanahalli Police Station, claiming alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Nadda’s counsel argued no evidence in complaint supports BJP leader’s claim of enticed or intimidated voters through speeches. The Court found no evidence of Nadda’s speech influencing election results. The counsel argued that there were also procedural lapses in obtaining Magistrate permission to file case. Therefore, contended that the trial court’s decision to admit the case was flawed resulting in quashing of the case.
Written by- Apoorva Chandra, College name – Aligarh Muslim University Centre, Malappuram, Semester- 3rd an intern under Legal Vidhiya
