NOTE FOR VOTE IS AN ACT OF BRIBERY - PETITION BEFORE THE DELHI HC

The Delhi High Court bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh issued notice to the Central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) after hearing a petition seeking to declare the cash transfer promises made by political parties a "corrupt practice", under Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
The PIL, moved by Parashar Narayan Sharma and Captain Gurvinder Singh, argued that 'Note for Vote' is a violation of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 and is an act of bribery. 
Counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that during the 2019 general election, the Indian National Congress offered promised Rs 72,000 in their election manifesto. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also promised Rs 2 lakh to every family. "If the ECI is not taking any action against them, there would be a spike in such "corrupt practice" by the political parties. "If cash 
benefits are allowed to be offered, the vast majority of the electorate would be swayed away".
Counsel for the ECI submitted that ECI had already issued strict guidelines against such practices. The Chief Justice orally said that the ECI must not only issue notices and orders but also take strict action against the political parties and use their power for the welfare of the 
Country. 

Author: Papiha Ghoshal