SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Before:- B.N. Kirpal, Shivaraj V. Patil and Bisheshwar Prasad Singh, JJ.

S.L.P. (C) No. CC 1836-1837 of 2002. D/d. 12.2.2002.

Election Commission of India - Petitioner

Versus

Manoj Dubey and Others - Respondents

Representation of The People Act, 1951 - Constitution of India, 1950, Articles 324 and 329(b) - Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 - Rule 28 - Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 - Rule 35(3) & 37(2)(b) - Voter Identification - Impeding assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh - High Court order dated 11th February, 2002 stayed - Orders dated 23rd January, 2002 and 7th February, 2002 Issued by the Election Commission of India to be given effect to - Order be widely broadcast.

[Para ]

JUDGMENT

1. Taken on board.

2. Permission to file SLPs is granted.

3. Exemption allowed.

4. Issue notice returnable after two weeks. Dasti service, in addition, is permitted.

5. In the meantime, the order of the High Court dated 11.2.2002 is stayed. The effect of this would be that the orders dated 23rd January, 2002 and 7th February, 2002 issued by the Election Commission of India would be in operation and would alone be given effect to.

6. This order should be widely broadcast including television and the print media and information also be given to the Chief Electoral Officer who in turn will communicate to the Presiding Officers.

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