Overview
- Justices Nitin W. Sambre and Anish Dayal dismissed the Hind Samrajya Party’s 2019 petition challenging the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
- The Court affirmed that the Election Commission can recognise political parties and allot symbols, describing the Symbols Order as directions issued to ensure free and fair elections.
- It held that distinguishing recognised and unrecognised parties based on objective criteria does not breach Article 14.
- The Bench relied on Supreme Court precedents including Sadiq Ali, All Party Leaders Conference, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, and the Constitution Bench ruling in Anoop Baranwal.
- The challenge to paragraphs 5(2), 6A, 6B and 6C failed, the request for an injunction was declined, and a detailed written judgment is awaited.