The first bench of Andhra Pradesh High Court led by Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice R. Raghunandan Rao on Friday asked the Election Commission on what basis they have stopped the distribution of financial assistance through DBT on Friday.
The bench, however, adjourning the matter to June due to lack of time to release the funds.
“We are not sure the Election Commission believes in the level playing field. The Commission is not beyond high court orders and, it is subject to judicial review,” the bench said.
“It is clear that the Election Commission did not adopt the conduct followed in 2019 like allowing the Pasupu Kumkuma scheme since it was ongoing by the time of MCC came into effect,” remarked the first bench.
“Under what power do you ask the government for particulars after the High Court order to release the DBT? You did not file a writ appeal and sit on judgment of the high court order. How did you allow Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu scheme and not these schemes,” asked the first bench of the high court.
Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur also questioned Senior Counsel Nadkarni for threatening the registry to move the House Motion Petition. Counsel Nadkarni immediately apologized to the court.
