A precedent

Sir, - With regard to the views expressed inTheHindu (``conviction and right to contest elections'' Jan. 16 and ``Disqualification'' Jan. 29, letter to the Editor), the then Chief Election Commissioner, S. L. Shakdher, while giving legal opinion about the controversy of contesting elections by Mr. V. C. Shukla and Sanjay Gandhi in 1980, unequivocally pronounced that until the highest court confirmed the conviction, the disqualification could not be held against them as a bar.

He further declared that their nomination papers could not be rejected by the returning officers under this core. Now, the Chief Election Commissioner may follow suit and put an end to this guessing since the very important persons such as the former Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Ministers are facing this problem.

G. Isaac,

Thanjavur (TN)

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : A goodwill gesture
Next     : Communal campaigns