SC declines BJP's challenge to Calcutta HC's anti-ad order

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a plea by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) challenging the Calcutta High Court's order restraining it from publishing derogatory advertisements against the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). The plea was related to alleged violations of the model code of conduct during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan were not convinced by the BJP's arguments, leading the party to withdraw its petition. The court, however, allowed the BJP to approach the Calcutta High Court to contest the notices issued by a single-judge bench.

The Supreme Court observed that there was no reason to interfere with the High Court's order, noting that the advertisements in question appeared disparaging. The BJP had initially approached the Supreme Court on Friday, arguing against the High Court's decision, which upheld the single-judge's directive to refrain from publishing any advertisements violating the model code of conduct. The division bench of the High Court emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy electoral practices and avoiding personal attacks, underscoring that misleading electoral campaigns ultimately harm voters.