Chennai: On Sunday, the Madras High Court threatened to stop the counting of votes if a “blueprint” is not in place. The High Court stated that the election commission is responsible for the second wave of the global pandemic and its officers must be booked on murder charges probably. During the Assembly election, there was a massive surge of Covid-19 cases. Despite the orders of the court, the election body has failed to maintain the protocols of Covid-19.
During the campaigning, there were no social distancing measures. Proper masks and sanitizers were also not followed. Sanjib Banerjee, Chief Justice questioned, “Were you on another planet when the election rallies were held?” Without strict measures, the counting can remain halted. The Court said, “Public health is paramount. Distressing that constitutional authorities ought to be reminded. It is only when a citizen survives that he will be able to enjoy the rights that a democratic republic guarantees”.
Last Thursday, there were roadshows and rallies in West Bengal where the voting is left in some districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his campaign visit to Bengal due to a Covid meeting. Mamata Banerjee, CM of Bengal questioned the Election Commission as to why they waited till the announcement of the PM to impose Covid curbs on campaigning.