The Supreme Court of India has taken cognizance of a plea challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) practice of allotting free symbols to unrecognised political parties on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The plea, filed by the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), a Tamil Nadu-based unrecognized political party, has brought to light an issue that could potentially impact the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has issued a notice to the ECI, seeking clarification on the matter. At the heart of the issue is Paragraph 10B (B) of the Election Symbols Order, which governs the allocation of free symbols to parties and candidates. 

The Court has expressed its intent to adjudicate on this scheme, indicating the importance it places on ensuring fairness in the electoral process.

The petition filed by NTK challenges the recent allotment of the free symbol 'ganna kisan' (sugarcane farmer) to another political party in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 

Senior Advocate Haripriya Padmanabhan, representing NTK, has argued against this allocation, highlighting the potential ramifications for their party's electoral prospects.

This development comes in the wake of the Delhi High Court's dismissal of a similar petition by NTK, underscoring the significance of the issue at hand. The representation of multiple advocates on behalf of NTK reflects the seriousness with which the party views the matter.

Case: Naam Tamilar Katchi vs Election Commission of India,

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s).6017/2024.

Click to read/download order.