“You are a different political party now…” SC directs Ajit Pawar faction to not use Sharad Pawar’s picture and symbol for elections
Today (March 14, 2024), the Supreme Court (SC) of India directed the Ajit Pawar faction of the National Congress Party (NCP) to not use the picture and symbol (Clock) of Sharad Pawar. The bench, Justice Surya Kant and Justice KV Viswanathan, also suggested Ajit Pawar faction to ‘select a symbol other than this and use it for elections’. It emphasized that the faction, now, has an independent identity; therefore, it must proceed with that and not use Sharad Pawar’s symbol and picture. The SC orally remarked, “It is now for you to control your workers. When the election comes you need his name and when there are no elections you do not need him. Now since you have an independent identity you must proceed with that only.” The bench sought a response from the Ajit Pawar faction by March 16, 2024, regarding the same and listed the matter for hearing on March 18, 2024 (Monday).
The SC was hearing a plea filed by Sharad Pawar against the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) delivered on February 06 granting the Clock party symbol to Ajit Pawar and recognizing his faction as the real NCP. During the court proceedings today, Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi who appeared for Sharad Pawar informed the SC that posters on display by the Ajit Pawar faction include Sharad Pawar’s clock symbol and photograph. He said, “I have a minimalistic request. How can you use the clock and also Sharad Pawar’s photograph? That’s blatant patent deception, ridding piggyback on my goodwill.” SA Singhvi also mentioned a statement regarding the same given by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal (who belongs to Ajit Pawar faction), ‘that this will be used to their benefit in rural areas’. He further added, “Democracy, fair, and free elections, are part of the basic structure. If they are so confident to win the elections, then let them do that on their own.”
Justice Kant agreed with SA Singhvi and said, “You are a different political party now so why use his picture, etc. Go with your own identity now…you have chosen not to be with him.” The SC bench further ordered to present a categorial undertaking, “We need a categorical and unconditional undertaking that the name and pictures of Sharad Pawar will not be used.” The bench also suggested, “You can issue a public notice with wide publicity that as far as you are concerned you are not related to him and how will you be known in politics.” Senior Advocate Maninder Singh who appeared for Ajit Pawar faction said that they would file something to ensure the implementation of SC’s directions. Furthermore, the SC suggested both parties should issue public notices establishing their new identities.
In response to this, SA Singhvi submitted that “Clock is holistically intertwined with Sharad Pawar”. Replying to this, SA Maninder Singh said that the clock symbol was granted by the ECI to Ajit Pawar faction. The bench pointed out the ECI’s order had not attained finality and said, “What if we set it aside during the elections? Then what will you do? Better to select a symbol other than this and use it for elections.” The matter is further listed for hearing on March 18.
