PRP’s plea for common symbol

Arguments on behalf of the Election Commission of India on the writ petition filed by Praja Rajyam Party seeking a common symbol for all its candidates will take place before a division bench of the A.P. High Court on Tuesday.

The Bench comprising Justice B. Prakasha Rao and Justice Bhavani Prasad on Monday perused the arguments advanced by Vedula Venkata Ramana who appeared on behalf of Praja Rajyam Party. The petitioner contended that the rule which stipulates that the symbol will be allotted only after participating in one general election is unconstitutional. Seeking a direction to the EC for allotment of a common symbol, he drew comparison with the TRS which was given a common symbol earlier..

The arguments by a senior counsel on behalf of the Election Commission will commence in after noon session on Tuesday. The counter affidavit filed on behalf of the commission said that the case of TRS was different as it proved its mettle and existence in the local body elections though they are not held under the provisions of the representation of Peoples Act.