Kerala HC directs govt. to file statement on Smart City project

Kochi, Apr 6 (UNI) The Election Commission of India today informed the Kerala High Court that it has interdicted the state government from entering into a final agreement with the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority for the establishment of the Smart City in view of the operation of the model code of conduct for elections.

The Commission submitted that it had received complaints from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and others alleging that the party in power may be benefitted by the execution of the agreement.

In the statement filed by the Election Commission, it has been stated that the prohibition is temporary and on compeletion of the election process, the government is free to sign the agreement.

The Commission informed the court of its stance on a writ petition filed by Intelligent Decisions Systems (Pvt) Ltd, Infopark, challenging the Commission's direction to the Kerala government not to sign the contract for the smart city project.

Justice S Siri Jagan adjourned the petition to tomorrow directing the government to file a statement.

UNI XR ARC DK1832