Today(on 29th May),The Jammu and Kashmir Police have lodged an FIR against Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of breaching the model code of conduct during polling in Anantnag Rajouri. Election authorities in Kashmir are taking legal action against Mufti for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
SRINAGAR: Today(on 29th May), Jammu and Kashmir Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against former Chief Minister and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, alleging a breach of the model code of conduct (MCC) during the polling day in the Anantnag Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency. Election authorities in Kashmir have initiated legal action against Mufti for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct, according to officials’ statements.
Amidst the electoral fervor on May 25th, Mehbooba Mufti, contesting for the Anantnag Rajouri seat under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led a demonstration outside a police station in Anantnag district. The protest was prompted by accusations of the apprehension of her party members and polling agents just ahead of the polls.
In response to the FIR, Mufti voiced her stance, portraying it as a consequence of the PDP’s outspokenness.
“It’s rather amusing to discover an FIR lodged against me for purportedly violating the MCC. This serves as a testament to the PDP’s commitment to speaking truth to power.”
-she expressed in a post on X.
ALSO READ: Jammu and Kashmir Police Drop UAPA Charges Against SKUAST Students, Grant Interim Bail
Mufti further elaborated, highlighting the circumstances that led to the protest-
“Our demonstration was aimed at condemning the collusion between the Government of India and the local administration, who detained numerous PDP polling agents and workers just before the voting commenced. Not content with these actions, the administration proceeded to conduct cordon and search operations in areas traditionally supportive of the PDP, instilling fear among our voters and obstructing their right to vote.”
“Ulta chor kotwal ko daante (the pot calling the kettle black),”
-she added, drawing a parallel to the situation.
The FIR stems from a complaint lodged by Assistant Returning Officer Srigufwara Bijbehara concerning alleged MCC violations by Mufti. The complaint highlighted the events of May 25th, where a significant number of PDP workers, led by Mehbooba Mufti, congregated in Bijbehara town, chanting slogans demanding the release of detained PDP workers. According to the complaint, these actions constituted a serious breach of the MCC regulations.
In a recent turn of events in Bijbehara, a significant uproar ensued as a group of PDP workers purportedly staged a protest, triggering concerns over potential violations of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The incident, which unfolded on the main road, led to a blockade and garnered attention for its alleged defiance of the law.
“It was claimed that a significant gathering of PDP workers obstructed the main road and conducted a protest in central Bijbehara for over an hour, constituting a breach of Section 144 CrPC.”
-highlighted an official statement.
This move raised eyebrows as Section 144 CrPC imposes restrictions on gatherings, particularly during sensitive periods like the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which extends up to June 4.
In light of these developments, concerns were voiced regarding the potential ramifications of such actions.
“Therefore, in contravention of the aforementioned directive, it is urged that appropriate measures be taken in accordance with the regulations against Madam Mehbooba Mufti and her associates, as identified by the relevant Police Authority.”
– read a complaint filed with the police.
Responding to the complaint, authorities took speedy action by registering a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Representation of People Act.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court Directs J&K Administration to Publish Internet Review Orders
“In response, a case was registered at the Bijbehara police station under sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 126 of the Representation of People Act, encompassing the years 1950, 1951, and 1989.”
– confirmed law enforcement officials.
The implications of such actions reverberated across the region, prompting discussions on the legal framework and the importance of upholding public order. Section 144 CrPC serves as a crucial tool for maintaining peace and tranquility during sensitive periods, and any alleged violations raise pertinent questions about adherence to legal protocols.