A police complaint was registered against 26 Opposition parties at Barakhamba Police Station in Delhi for alleged improper use of the name of INDIA and use of the said name for the undue influence and personation during elections. The complaint, filed by Dr. Avinish Mishra, a resident of Delhi, calls for necessary action to be taken against these political parties.
Expressing objection to the name of the alliance, the complainant urged necessary action against the parties as the term 'INDIA' is being used for the undue personation at elections that has hurt the sentiments of the people. "26 political parties have misused the name of the country," the complaint read.
Mishra has alleged that the 26 opposition parties including Congress, TMC, DMK, NCP, PDP RLD among others, have been exploiting the name of India for their political advantage, potentially misleading voters and engaging in activities that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
In his complaint, Mishra stated that the 26 political parties formed an alliance and decided to name it 'INDIA,' claiming that the abbreviation stood for 'Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance.'
Mishra further points out that the Emblems and Names (Prevention of improper use) Act, 1950, prohibits the use of certain names specified in its schedule. “Notably, Point 6 of the schedule lists the name of the Union of India, making the use of the name 'INDIA' prohibited,” he stated in his complaint.
The complaint also highlights that Section 2(c) of the Emblems Act defines "name" to include any abbreviation of a name.
Additionally, Section 5 of the Emblems Act provides for a punishment, including a fine of up to five hundred rupees, for contravening the provisions of Section 3.
Mishra said that the opposition parties have contravened Section 3 of the Emblems Act by using the name 'INDIA' as the name of their political alliance and are therefore liable to be punished under Section 5.
He further stated that by naming their alliance as 'INDIA' for electoral purposes, specifically to contest the general elections in 2024, these parties have attempted to unduly influence the Indian electorate by personifying their alliance as the nation itself. Mishra claims that this act makes them liable for prosecution under Section 171F of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
He further in his complaint stated that the political parties' choice to name their alliance as 'INDIA' has hurt the sentiments of all Indians who identify themselves as citizens of 'INDIA.'
Mishra believes that such an act may disturb public order, peace, and tranquility in the country. He states that the parties' actions are intended to gain undue political influence by misrepresenting their alliance before the Indian electorate.
The Barakhamba Police Station official has confirmed the receipt of the complaint and said that they are looking into the complaint.
Earlier, Maharashtra BJP leader Ashutosh Dube has also filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the name saying that 'INDIA' was used by the Opposition for political gains and it disrespected the dignity of the country.