ECI amends “Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968”

Jammu, Mar 13: The Election Commission of India Tuesday amended its “Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968” by extending its application to Jammu and Kashmir as well.

The amendment was made by the Commission, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India read with section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, section 21 of the General Clauses Act,1897, Rules 5 and 10 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and all other powers enabling the Commission in this behalf.

As per ECI notification, the amended Order will come into force with immediate effect.

Amendment became necessitated following abrogation of Article 370.

The order, which deals with allocation of symbols for parties, reservation of symbols and resolving intra-party disputes, was earlier not applicable to J&K.

Following amendment, the order says it “extends to the whole of India and applies in relation to elections in all Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies.”

“State” includes the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Union Territory of Puducherry and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Union Territory of Puducherry and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir are the UTs with a provision of assembly.