HC asks EC to consider returning texts of astrologer

A division bench comprising Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad before whom the plea came for hearing offered the above direction after recording the submission of the election commission’s counsel that an appeal provision is available to the petitioner challenging the confiscation of the books by the Thanjavur District election officer.

The petitioner had contended that based on the horoscope of leaders in Tamil Nadu, he had come up with certain poll predictions as to who would garner power in the State and released it as a book.

But while the book was being taken to Thanjavur, officials’ part of the flying squad confiscated them. Based on this, the election officer for Thanjavur district was approached to return the book. But he had refused to return them leaving him with no option but to approach the court.

His counsel on citing the aspect that the book on Rafale fighter aircraft deal seized from a publishing house in Teynampet by an election flying squad was ordered to be released the same day, the counsel sought the court to direct the Election Commission to return the book. He also contended that the Election Commission had extended guidelines only to the exit polls and not to astrological predictions.