HC suggests observer for civic polls

Chennai, Feb 1 (UNI) Madras High Court today suggested the government appoint an independent observer to monitor the February 18 civic polls for 100 wards.

The suggestion came from the Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice K Chandru after hearing arguments on maintainablity of the petition filed by AIADMK MLA D Jeyakumar seeking to restrain Mr Chandrasekaran from functioning as State Election Commissioner and to appoint a retired judge of Supreme Court or High Court to monitor the elections.

The Bench made it clear that it was not giving any direction but only a suggestion to put an end to the controversy. It was upto the government to accept it or not.

Government Pleader Raja Kalifullah said he would ascertain the government's views on the suggestion made by the Bench and inform the court.

Following this, the bench adjourned the hearing in the case to February three.

UNI