Delhi HC issues notice to EC on plea challenging merger of parties

Justice Sachin Datta issued notice on the plea moved by MG Dawood Miakhan and sought a response from the EC and the MLKSC. The matter was listed for further hearing in August.

The petitioner, Miakhan, challenged the merger order of both parties passed in 2012. He also challenged the EC order of April 20, rejecting his representation against the merger.

He sought a direction to set aside both the orders passed by the EC. He moved the petition through advocates Rahul Shyam Bhandari and G Priyadarshini.

Senior advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey argued the matter.

It was submitted that the petitioner moved a representation on January 29, 2024, seeking action by the poll panel to de-recognise the merger of MLKSC (Muslim League Kerala State Committee), a recognized state party with IUML(Indian Union Muslim League), and an unrecognised national party which was ratified by an order of the EC, dated March 3, 2012.

It was stated that the ramifications of the said order of March 3, 2012, have a direct bearing on the democratic fabric, as the order, in effect, reduced the national stature of the IUML to that of a state political party, which is unsustainable in the eyes of law.

The petitioner contended that the merger of MLKSC with IUML is unlawful and unsustainable and needs to be recalled by the EC, being the appropriate authority having all the right to do so, in the interest of upholding the principles of democracy.

The petition stated that the petitioner was an active member of IUML and earlier served as state secretary.

The petitioner also served as president of the Tamil Nadu Unit of the Indian Union Muslim League (TNSIUML), the state unit of the IUML.

The petitioner is the grandson of the founder of IUML and was intricately involved with the day-to-day affairs of IUML, the plea stated.

Founded in 1948, the IUML was registered with the Election Commission on January 10, 1990, the plea added. (ANI)