Congress Functionary Moves Supreme Court Over PM Modi's Speech Broadcast by Doordarshan, Sansad TV
Petition alleges violation of model code of conduct; claims use of state-run channels to air political speech amounts to misuse of official machinery
Quick Look
- Congress functionary TN Prathapan has approached the Supreme Court alleging violation of the model code of conduct due to the broadcast of PM Modi’s April 18 speech by state-run channels Doordarshan and Sansad TV.
- The petition claims the speech blaming opposition parties for the defeat of the 131st Constitutional amendment bill was used to influence voters during ongoing elections, constituting corrupt practice under Section 123(7) of the Representation of People Act.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The petition comes during ongoing elections in India, where the model code of conduct is in effect. The 131st Constitutional amendment bill, which was mentioned in PM Modi's speech, relates to legislative matters that have been a point of political contention.
NEW DELHI: Congress functionary TN Prathapan has approached the Supreme Court, alleging violation of the model code of conduct due to the broadcast of PM Modi’s April 18 speech by state-run channels Doordarshan and Sansad TV. The petition, which lies in defect as per its status on the SC website, claimed the PM’s speech, blaming opposition parties for the defeat of the 131st Constitutional amendment bill, was used to influence voters during the ongoing elections. It is alleged that the use of publicly funded broadcasters to air a political speech amounted to the misuse of official machinery. The plea said this fell within the definition of corrupt practice under section 123(7) of Representation of People Act, which barred the use of government machinery for electoral purposes. It noted that a complaint was also submitted to EC.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Election Commission will likely issue a statement or preliminary observation on the complaint
Likely · Within days
The petition may be admitted for hearing by Supreme Court
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the Supreme Court admit the petition?
- What action will the Election Commission take on the complaint?
- Will the state-run channels face any consequences?
