New Delhi: Chief ministers, ministers and political appointees in the five poll-bound states are barred from hearing appeals filed by people before statutory bodies till the election process is over as their decisions can influence voters, the Election Commission has directed.
It was communicated to chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab.
It said hearings by politicians “may have direct or indirect influence on voters and may also disturb the level playing field” during elections.
“...all such hearings by...of statutory bodies should be deferred till the conclusion of poll. If any such hearing is required to be held in compliance with the mandatory provisions of law/any court order, such hearing in lieu of CM/ministers or politically appointed office bearers of statutory bodies, should be held by a officer nominated by the chief Secretary...,” the Commission said.
