Madras HC Issues Notice To ECI On Plea Challenging Proviso To S.123(3) Of RP Act Which Gives Immunity To Symbols Allotted By Election

The Madras High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in response to a plea challenging the proviso to Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The petitioners argue that the proviso, which exempts certain government advertisements from being deemed as election-related expenditure, is unconstitutional and violates the principle of a level playing field in elections. The High Court bench, comprising Justice X and Justice Y, directed the ECI to respond to the plea within two weeks. The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny over electoral laws and their application in ensuring fairness and transparency in Indian elections.