SC directs Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions to strictly abide by the directions of the Court regarding the use of party names and symbols

Today, the Supreme Court (SC) of India directed both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions to abide by the directions of the Court regarding the use of party names, symbols, and disclaimers in publicity materials in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The bench further cautioned the Sharad Pawar faction (National Congress Party) to use the tutari (trumpet) symbol for upcoming poll elections instead of the NCP clock symbol as directed in the SC order dated March 19. The SC bench of Justice KV Viswanathan and Justice Surya Kant said, “It is suffice to clarify and reiterate that the petitioner (Sharad Pawar) and party office bearers and workers supporters shall abide by directions in para 3 in terms thereof. The respondents (Ajit Pawar faction), the office bearers of a political party, the workers are obligated to meticulously follow directions contained in the order. Mr. Rohatgi has agreed to issue the public notices with more prominent space in newspapers and assured that the office bearers, candidates, shall be sensitised that there is no defiance of directions of this court given on March 19. Petitioner shall ensure that workers follow directions of our order and follow NCP-SP.”

The Supreme Court order dated March 19 illustrated, “...issue a public notice in the newspapers with Marathi, Hindi, and English editions, notifying that the allocation of the ‘clock’ symbol is sub-judice before this Court and the respondents have been permitted to use the same subject to the final outcome of these proceedings. Such a declaration shall be incorporated in every pamphlet, advertisement, audio, or video clips to be issued on behalf of the respondents(NCP).” During the proceedings today, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi and Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar respectively. While arguing before the Court, SA Singhvi contended, “This is gross abuse and they are seeking review of this gross abuse. In a press conference on March 30, the first face displayed is of Sharad Pawar. The first face is mine (Sharad Pawar's)! My face, my photo...(they are) piggybacking and then complaining against me...This has to stop immediately and the orders of this court is being violated.” Justice Kant said “The purpose of the order was to bring this in public domain and the voters who are the most important stakeholders shall get to know about it (that) this clock issue is sub judice and they are using it till the issue is resolved by the Court. As far as ads, pamphlets, etc., party has complied.. Some party workers, etc. may be violating it and the party has to take care of it.” 

After hearing contentions from both sides, the Supreme Court bench directed both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions to strictly abide by the directions of the top court in the March 19 order regarding the use of names and symbols in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.