Supreme Court Hears TMC Symbol Freeze Case, Asks Election Commission for Response by September 28

New Delhi, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : The Supreme Court of India conducted a hearing on Thursday regarding former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s petition against the Election Commission‘s decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress (TMC) name and its grass-flower symbol. The court has requested the Election Commission to clarify by Monday when a final decision will be made on the symbol freeze.

Banerjee’s faction expressed concerns that a delay in the Commission’s decision could disrupt the upcoming corporation elections scheduled for November. The next hearing in this matter is set for September 28, where the Election Commission will be required to provide an update on the timeline for its final ruling.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana, heard arguments from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Banerjee’s faction. Sibal emphasized that while they are not seeking to halt the elections, it is crucial to maintain the party’s original name and symbol. He argued that this issue is fundamental to their identity and urged the court to take appropriate measures.

Justice Bagchi responded, noting that the only solution is for the Election Commission to resolve the matter promptly. Sibal contended that the Commission’s decision to freeze the party’s symbol during the electoral process sets a concerning precedent. He warned that if the Supreme Court does not intervene, the Commission may continue to alter symbols in future elections.

Recently, the Election Commission allocated the name “Mamata TMC” and a football player symbol to Banerjee’s faction, while the rebel group received the name “Democratic TMC” and an envelope symbol. Banerjee has challenged this interim decision in the Supreme Court, which will reconvene on September 28 to address the case further.