New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on Thursday, issued directives to both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) regarding the use of party symbols and names in the upcoming elections. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan, instructed the Ajit Pawar faction to ensure that prominent disclaimers are published in its election advertisements, explicitly stating that the allocation of the 'clock' symbol to it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.

Additionally, the court cautioned the Sharad Pawar faction against using the 'clock' symbol and mandated the use of the 'man blowing turha' symbol allocated to it for the impending polls. It emphasized that the Sharad Pawar faction, its office bearers, workers, and supporters should only use the name 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar' in the elections.

The bench reaffirmed its previous order from March 19, directing both factions to abide by its directives. It clarified that the Sharad Pawar faction must adhere to the use of the 'man blowing turha' symbol and refrain from using the 'clock' symbol in any capacity.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Ajit Pawar group, assured the court that necessary steps would be taken to ensure compliance with the order, including sensitizing office-bearers, candidates, and supporters and issuing public notices in prominent media outlets.

During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Sharad Pawar group, highlighted certain advertisements and posters by the Ajit Pawar group lacking the required disclaimer regarding the sub-judice status of the 'clock' symbol.

Responding to these allegations, Rohatgi accused the Sharad Pawar group of continuing to use the 'clock' symbol despite the court's orders.

Previously, on March 19, the apex court had directed the Ajit Pawar faction to issue public notices in multiple languages and include disclaimers in all campaign ads regarding the legal status of the 'clock' symbol. It had also instructed the Sharad Pawar faction to use the designated party name and symbol for the elections. Additionally, the court upheld the Election Commission's decision to recognize the name 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar' for the Sharad Pawar faction until further notice.

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