'Clock' symbol case: SC asks Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar factions to abide by its order on use of symbol, party name
‘Clock’ symbol case: SC asks Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar factions to abide by its order on use of symbol, party name
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the Nationalist Congress Party to abide by its directions on use of symbols, party names and disclaimers in publicity material for the assembly and general elections.
During the hearing of the plea from both factions, the Supreme Court said that it was time for them to focus on electoral campaigning rather than prolonged legal battles. “It is high time for both of you to concentrate on something else,” the SC observed.
It directed the Sharad Pawar faction to sensitise party workers on using the name ‘Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar’ and symbol ‘man blowing turha’ (a traditional trumpet also known as tutari) in poll campaigns.
It further directed that the faction led by the veteran leader to ask their party workers, leaders, office bearers and lawmakers not to use the ‘clock’ symbol in poll advertisements, which has been allotted to the Ajit Pawar led bloc of the NCP.
Similarly, it asked the Ajit Pawar faction to issue bigger and prominent advertisements in newspapers saying allocation of ‘clock’ symbol to it is sub-judice, as was directed in the apex court’s March 19 order.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Sharad Pawar group, stressed the need to move forward, saying, “We are not here for a review with great respect.” He drew attention to the absence of disclaimers in various documents, highlighting the need for clarity on the issue.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ajit Pawar’s faction, informed the court about the second application filed, which had not been circulated previously. He emphasized the importance of addressing both sides of the argument and urged the court to consider all relevant factors.
Notably, on March 19, the top court had asked Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP to comply with the court’s direction to publish disclaimers in all their advertisements that the use of ‘clock’ symbol by them is a sub-judice matter. The SC had also asked the Sharad Pawar faction to use the ‘Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar’ name for upcoming elections and “man blowing turha” symbol.
(With inputs from agencies)
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