The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea seeking strict checks on unregulated spending by political parties during elections. The Court said the issue raises serious constitutional questions about free speech and the health of Indian democracy.
The Supreme Court of India asked the Election Commission of India to consider suggestions made in a PIL to curb excessive election expenditure and improve its SOPs. While refusing to rely on third-party reports, the Court disposed of the PIL after directing the EC to examine and circulate the petitioner’s proposals internally.