CHENNAI, 26 April, 2021 (TON): EC is responsible for the today’s situation, Madras Court said.

While hearing the plea moved by state Transport Minister MR Vijaybhaskhar said, the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said, "You (EC) are the only institution responsible for the situation we are in today and You have been singularly lacking any kind of exercise of authority. You have not taken measures against political parties holding rallies despite the court saying "Maintain Covid protocol, maintain Covid protocol." 

"We assure you that we will stop counting if we do not find before May 2 a blueprint on how proper maintenance of COVID protocol is assured so that this state does not succumb to the idiosyncrasies any further," court observed.  

The Chief Justice also observed that Public health is of paramount importance.

However, Tamil Nadu state transport minister had petitioned the court seeking direction to the Election Commission, to follow the measures in ensuring fairness during the counting of votes on 2 May for Karur constituency.