EC files SLP in SC on Nataraj transfer

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) The Election Commission (EC) today filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the impugned Madras High Court judgement dated March 31 quashing the order of EC directing the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to transfer Chennai police commissioner R Nataraj from his present post immediately.

The EC had desired that Mr Nataraj could be given any post that does not entail election-related duties.

Mr Nataraj had made a public statement which was published in local newspaper, 'Chennai Chronicle' on March 13 which said '' an ideal woman is someone who manages both her personal and professional life well. In this respect, I think our Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is a perfect example of the ideal woman. I think she is an icon and every woman should look upto her.'' Taking note of this statement, in view of the fact that the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu had been announced in March this year and police commissioner plays a very vital role in making the security and other law and order arrangements for the smooth conduct of elections, the EC considered the appropriateness of this statement given by R Nataraj.

The Tamil Nadu government filed a writ petition in the High Court against the Election Commission's directions to transfer Mr Nataraj.

The High Court allowed the writ of the state government and stayed the operation of the transfer order.

The impugned order of the High Court has been challenged by the EC in the Supreme Court.

The EC also felt that the statement violated the model code of conduct and also put a question mark over the impartiality of R Nataraj.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections would take place on May 8.

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