The Madhya Pradesh High Court had on 20th October passed an order stating that political parties would only conduct virtual campaigning for the upcoming by-elections. Permission of the District Magistrate and ECI would be required prior physical campaigning after depositing a sum. The order was passed after hearing a PIL that complained of breach of Covid-19 guidelines through physical campaigning by some of the political leaders in the state.
A day before the Election Commission of India approached the Supreme Court, the order was also challenged by BJP leader Pradhyumn Singh Tomar. The ECI contended that this would interfere with the poll process and the level playing field for the candidates and that guidelines for the 28-seat state legislative assembly elections had already been given.
The impugned order also orders framing charges against Chief Minister Kamal Nath and Union Minister Tomar for breaching Covid 19 guidelines
Lawcutor 