HARAMANI SING Vs. STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONER ORISSA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN this writ application, the petitioner, a candidate for the office of the Sarpach of Mitrapur Grama Panchayat election, has assailed the Notification issued by the State Election Commission putting restrictions on the use of name of any political party in the campaigning for the election.

(2.) ON 23.12.2011, as per the Gazette Notification, the Government of Orissa in the Panchayati Raj Department have called upon all Grama Panchayats to elect Ward Members and Sarpanches and for election of Panchayat Samiti members. The said notification also included election for the offices of the Members of Zilla Parishad. In accordance with the scheduled given by the Election Commission, the nominations have been filed. After withdrawal of candidature and allotment of symbols, the contesting candidates have started campaigning. The election is scheduled to be held in five phases i.e. on 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th February, 2012 throughout the State.