A bench comprising of the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Supreme Court of India has agreed to pass directions for an listing of a petition filed by the Jan Suraaj Party against the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding by-elections in Bihar. The party reportedly challenged the ECI’s failure to not deferring the by-elections in Bihar while rescheduling the elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala due social and religious events.
Four Bihar State Assembly by-elections are set to be conducted on 13 November 2024, just few days after the conclusion of Chhath Puja, a widely celebrated religious festival in the state from 06-08 November 2024. The Party contends that this timing of elections will significantly affect voter participation and leave them with no time to campaign.
Notably, in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala etc., the ECI recently rescheduled by-elections from 13th to 20th November due to large-scale social and cultural gatherings stating that it could lower voter turnout and cause logistical difficulties. The Party says that similar conditions apply in Bihar, and not considering the requests for a deferment of elections in Bihar is not only unjust but violates the right to equal treatment under Article 14 of the Constitution.
Ms Ruby Singh Ahuja Advocate from Karanjawala & Co mentioned the matter on behalf of Jan Suraaj Party along with Mr Vedant Verma, Mr Vishal Gehrana, Ms Akanksha Thapa, and Mr Piyush Sharma.
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