ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2014 Model code won’t affect J&K relief work, says EC

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday told the Supreme Court that its model code of conduct would not come in the way of the state government’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation work for flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir. The state is going to polls in five phases from November 25.

Appearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu, the counsel for EC said the government can undertake all relief work. The bench was further informed about the communication the poll body had with the cabinet secretary, the state’s chief secretary and the chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir to clarify that relief and rehabilitation work can continue unhindered.

The bench fixed November 14 to hear the issue raised by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party chief Bhim Singh. Singh had submitted before the court that the model code was coming in the way of relief work and the tragedy should be declared as a national disaster.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference also moved the top court for postponing the Assembly polls, saying the situation was not conducive as several residents were still displaced. A bench headed by Justice J C Helameswar, however, did not issue any order on the petition and referred it to the CJI’s bench since it is already hearing a PIL on the relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.

The CJI’s bench observed it expected good governance from the state when allegations were made that poor quality of food articles was being supplied to flood victims.