The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, adjourned to January 30 a plea seeking action by the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Mahila Samman Yojana, a scheme promising ₹2,100 to women voters. Justice Jyoti Singh deferred the hearing after the petitioner, Shiv Shankar Parashar, and his counsel failed to appear.
The petition raises concerns over the announcement made by AAP during the ongoing Delhi Assembly election campaigns. The petitioner alleged that the scheme was an attempt to mislead voters, filing a complaint with the ECI on January 3. However, with no action forthcoming, Parashar moved the High Court seeking directions for the expeditious disposal of his complaint.
The Bench had earlier raised questions on the maintainability of the plea and refrained from passing any interim orders. Parashar also sought a directive to stop AAP workers from collecting personal details under the alleged scheme.
Adding a new twist to the controversy, the Delhi government recently issued a public notice disassociating itself from the scheme. “The general public of Delhi are hereby advised and requested not to entertain such promises of a non-existent scheme, as these are misleading and without any authority. The general public is also advised to exercise abundant caution to not give out personal details to unauthorized personnel,” the notice read.
The plea has garnered attention as it raises questions about the legality and ethics of campaign promises. The case will now be heard on January 30, with the High Court expected to decide on its admissibility.
