The Supreme Court Bench comprising of Justice SK Kaul and Justice Abhay S. Oka dismissed a PIL filed by one SHRADDHA TRIPATHI with cost while observing that Litigation cannot be a hobby". The petitioner had challenged the order passed by the High Court Of Judicature At 
Allahabad, Lucknow Bench before the Supreme Court wherein it was sought that Election Commission (EC) be barred from allocation of poll symbols claiming they were misused by the political parties.

The Bench while dismissing the petitioner observed that "We are very clear that the impugned order reflects the correct position in law. Litigation cannot be a hobby. The petitioner appearing in person again persists in contending that the Election Commission has no power to allot a symbol and that only the returning officer can allot a symbol. She effectively submits  that even  in the  case of a recognized party the candidate should be allotted different symbols as the allotments should be made only at the time of allocation of symbol by the returning officer."

"We find the aforesaid a completely misreading of the Rules and is in fact destructive of the election process whereby the recognized parties have a separate status. We feel this is complete wastage of judicial time and dismiss the petition with costs of Rs.25,000/-. The costs be deposited with the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Welfare Fund within four weeks." Added the bench.

Case Details:-

SLP (C)  No(s).  10483/2021
SHRADDHA TRIPATHI                                  Petitioner(s)
                                VERSUS
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA & ORS.                Respondent(s)