The Election Commission on Thursday justified its decision to seek powers to initiate contempt proceedings against political parties which level allegations against it without evidence, saying it was the best way to defend itself against unfounded claims.
"It is not a question of seeking power to punish somebody under the Contempt of Court Act. It is a question of levelling unfounded allegations. We can go for defamation which we do not want. We do not want to move court as a complainant," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said. He said having contempt of court powers was the best way out.
Zaidi was asked why the Commission wrote to the Government seeing powers to initiate contempt proceedings against those who have questioned the neutrality of the body. The EC had in April written a letter to the law Ministry, urging it to amend the election laws so that it can use the Contempt of Court Act against such parties.
"Some even accuse the Commission of working in favour of the winning political parties ... In order to address the emerging situation, there is a rationale and a strong-felt need that the Election Commission may also be given power to punish for its own contempt," the EC said.
Responding to a question on the office of profit case against 20 AAP MlAs, he said the Commission will decide on the next date of hearing soon.
