The Hindu : EC notice on free AI passes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 26, 2004

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EC notice on free AI passes

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, MARCH 25 . Taking a serious view of issue of free passes by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to high-level political functionaries to travel to London by Air India, the Election Commission today asked the Ministry to send its explanation by 5 p.m. tomorrow.

In the perception of the Commission, the issuance of such passes was a violation of the model code of conduct, which came into force from February 29 when the dates for the elections were announced.

The Commission has, therefore, asked the Ministry to furnish the full details of the total number of passes distributed so far since February 29.

Congress lodges protest

A high-level Congress delegation today lodged a strong protest with the Election Commission against the advertisement shown on some television channels raking up the issue of party chief Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin and demanded an immediate end to its telecast.

Led by the AICC general secretary, Oscar Fernandes, the delegation told the Commission that the advertisement, purportedly issued by Kamakshi Educational Society, being relayed by some channels was unconstitutional and violative of the model code of conduct and should be stopped without further delay.

The party spokesman, Kapil Sibal, said the advertisement was in bad taste and sought to incite violence and was a fit case for prosecution. He said the Commission had assured the delegation that it would look into the matter and issue a directive by tomorrow evening.

The party had drawn the attention of the Commission to a Supreme Court judgment holding that Ms. Gandhi was an Indian citizen under the relevant laws of the land and establishing her as a citizen capable of holding public office.

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