‘Election expenditure limit should be fixed’, SC sent notice to Central Government, Election Commission, sought reply

On a petition seeking cap on election expenditure, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Center and the Election Commission. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Government and the Central Election Commission on a PIL demanding a limit on the election expenditure of political parties. This PIL has been filed by NGO Common Cause, challenging the unbridled use of money power by political parties during elections. The Supreme Court has directed to hear the case for six weeks and has sought answers from the parties concerned. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, argued that uncontrolled use of money power by political parties during elections affects the foundation of democracy and unbalances the electoral process.

He reminded the court that the Supreme Court has already held in the electoral bonds case that uncontrolled money power distorts the democratic process and affects the right to information of voters. During the hearing, Justice Joy Mallya Bagchi also raised questions on the practical challenges related to preventing misuse of money power. He said that even in countries like America, there are limits on election expenditure, but there too, problems like expenditure being made through friends, associates or third parties of the candidates have been coming to the fore.

Cannot rely on third party reports,

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Election Commission to consider incorporating suggestions in the SOP to curb excessive expenditure in elections. The court has also asked to consider the PIL as a representation. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice NV Anjari had remarked that the court cannot rely on third party reports on excessive expenditure in elections, as the Election Commission has also refuted these reports. However, the Supreme Court said that the petitioner is an IIT graduate, the suggestions given by him are worth considering.

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