SC stays EC order revoking star campaigner status of Kamal Nath

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission order which revoked the "star campaigner" status of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath for model code violation during the campaign for bypolls in 28 Assembly constituencies in the state.

The counsel appearing for the poll panel told a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde that Nath's plea has become infructuous as the campaigning has ended and the voting is to take place on Tuesday.

"We are staying it," said the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian.

The Apex Court was hearing Nath's plea challenging the October 30 order of the EC revoking his star campaigner status.

While a political party pays for the expenditure of its star campaigner, the candidate concerned bears the expense of other campaigners.

The top court also issued notice to the EC seeking its response on Nath's plea.

Issue notice. Until further orders, there shall be a stay of order dated October 30, 2020, issued by Respondent No.1 Election Commission of India, the bench said in its order.

Besides seeking quashing of the EC order, the senior Congress leader has also sought framing of appropriate guidelines for speeches during campaigning by star campaigners or campaigners, "keeping in mind the right to freedom of speech and expression and concept of democratic elections".

The Election Commission said on Monday it will file its reply at the earliest on the petition of Congress leader Kamal Nath challenging its order in the Supreme Court.

"Hon'ble Supreme Court is supreme. EC has been given an opportunity to file a reply in the matter, which shall be filed at the earliest," the Commission said.

Taking a serious note of the breach of "ethical and dignified behaviour", the election watchdog had on Friday revoked the "star campaigner" status of the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for repeated violations of the model code during the campaign for the bypolls.