Salek Chand Jain v. Election Commission of India

O R D E R %

08.11.2016 C.M.No.41588/2016 (exemptions) Allowed, subject to all just exceptions. W.P.(C) No.10593/2016

¶1This petition by way of Public Interest Litigation has been filed with the following prayers: "i) Pass any order thereby the respondent be directed to conduct the Lok Sabha general election throughout the country together with State Assembly Election as it was being conducted together prior to 1967 in the facts and circumstances of the case and in the interest of justice to save the public money to the tune of Rs.4500 crores.

ii) Any other relief which this Hon'ble Court deem fit and proper may also be granted to the petitioner."

¶2We have heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner.

¶3As per the Constitutional scheme, the duration of the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies, unless sooner dissolved, shall be five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. So far as holding election to the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies is concerned, there are specific provisions under the Representation of People Act, 1951 providing for the period within which the election notification shall be issued. The law is well-settled that Courts will interfere only if there is a clear violation of Constitutional or statutory provisions or non-compliance by the State with its Constitutional or statutory duties. No such contingencies arise in the present case. As held in Balco Employees' Union vs. Union of India

(2002) 2 SCC 333, every matter of public interest or curiosity cannot be the subject matter of PIL.

¶4Accordingly, the writ petition which is devoid of merit is hereby dismissed. CHIEF JUSTICE SANGITA DHINGRA SEHGAL, J NOVEMBER 08, 2016 'anb'

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 10593/2016 SALEK CHAND JAIN ..... Petitioner Through: Mr.Sugriva Dubey, Adv. Versus ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA ..... Respondent Through: Mr.P.R.Chopra, Adv. with Mr.Y.R.Sharma, Adv. CORAM: HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE SANGITA DHINGRA SEHGAL