The Delhi High Court Friday issued notice to the city government on a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenging the move of removing its posters from houses of people willing to put them up.
A division bench of Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice Manmohan sought response from the Delhi government, Delhi Police and also the Election Commission by Nov 15.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the party and two other residents, said: “This move is denial of the right to freedom of speech of the citizen and the restriction should be set aside immediately before the campaigning period is going on.”
He asked the court that police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi be restrained from removing posters from houses under the garb of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property (DPDP) Act.
On Oct 17, 2013 the Election Commission in its reply to petitioners had said that “putting up of banners/posters at home of volunteers/supporters on private property is prohibited under DPDP Act”. Bhushan however argued it is violation of fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.
The plea sought direction for police to not to remove or take down the campaign material from the homes of willing Delhi residents.
(Source:IANS)
