Ajit Pawar commits to publishing disclaimers on the ‘clock’ symbol issue as a legal battle over NCP ownership unfolds, with pressures mounting on clarity for Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
Supreme Court Demands Compliance on Symbol Disclaimer.
In a significant legal development, Ajit Pawar, leader of a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has agreed to publish a disclaimer within 36 hours in prominent newspapers, including Marathi publications, indicating that the use of the party’s traditional ‘clock’ symbol remains under judicial scrutiny. This assurance was made in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 6, in response to an oral direction from a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan. The disclaimer comes amidst a heated dispute between Ajit Pawar and the rival faction led by Sharad Pawar, who seeks to restrain the Ajit faction from using the symbol in the forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ajit Pawar, conveyed this commitment after the bench pressed for an immediate update, cautioning that it would initiate suo motu contempt proceedings if the directive was not adhered to promptly.
Clock Symbol’s Ownership Dispute.
The Supreme Court’s intervention is the latest chapter in a prolonged dispute over the ownership of the ‘clock’ symbol, a symbol long associated with Sharad Pawar, who established the NCP nearly four decades ago. The conflict intensified when the Election Commission of India (ECI), after assessing legislative strength, recognized the Ajit Pawar-led faction as the official NCP. Sharad Pawar’s camp, in response, has contested this decision, appealing to the Supreme Court to protect its legacy and distinctive political identity tied to the symbol.
Sharad Pawar’s legal representatives argued that the ‘clock’ symbol, which has become synonymous with the party’s public image, should remain with the original founder, Sharad Pawar. According to Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar, the faction has been forced to approach the Court repeatedly due to Ajit Pawar’s alleged disregard for court orders on symbol usage.
“Clock symbol has been used by Sharad Pawar for the last 36 years. It is closely associated with him,” Singhvi stated before the Court, asserting that the Ajit Pawar faction has continued to leverage the legacy of Sharad Pawar to its advantage, despite legal restrictions.
Allegations of Non-Compliance and Evidence Tampering.
During the hearing, Advocate Pranjal Agarwal, representing the Sharad Pawar faction, alleged that Ajit Pawar’s group had deleted social media videos featuring campaign materials without disclaimers, further claiming that some posters were doctored to cover up the lack of necessary disclosures. Justice Kant inquired about the time frame required to publish a disclaimer in newspapers, to which Singh responded that the disclaimer would be issued within 24 to 36 hours.
Pranjal Agarwal went on to argue that these actions undermine the integrity of the Court’s orders, suggesting that Ajit Pawar’s faction should consider applying for a new symbol altogether, as the ‘clock’ symbol is inextricably linked to Sharad Pawar’s legacy. The Supreme Court’s bench expressed concerns over non-compliance, especially after its explicit directions in earlier hearings.
Supreme Court’s Prior Directions on Symbol Use.
The Supreme Court previously directed Ajit Pawar’s faction to publicly disclose that the use of the ‘clock’ symbol is sub-judice. Initially issued in March 2023, this directive was meant to ensure transparency during the Lok Sabha elections, clarifying that the symbol’s use by Ajit Pawar’s group would be subject to the Court’s final judgment. However, the Sharad Pawar camp has consistently argued that the directions have not been honored adequately.
Earlier, the Court mandated that Ajit Pawar’s faction refrain from using Sharad Pawar’s image in its campaign materials. Sharad Pawar’s faction, meanwhile, was instructed to adopt the name “NCP (Sharad Pawar)” and the symbol of “man blowing turha (trumpet)” to differentiate the factions. Despite these arrangements, Singhvi expressed frustration, indicating that Ajit Pawar’s side continues to benefit from the association with the established NCP identity.
Election Commission’s Recognition and Symbol Allocation.
The conflict over the NCP symbol follows a rift between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar within the party. After evaluating party representation, the Election Commission (ECI) recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the official NCP in 2023, granting it the use of the ‘clock’ symbol for electoral purposes. This decision was met with resistance from Sharad Pawar’s group, which immediately contested the move in the Supreme Court.
Following the Court’s directions, the Ajit Pawar faction was required to publish disclaimers, but allegations of sporadic compliance have complicated matters. The Sharad Pawar camp has presented multiple instances of the symbol being used without proper disclaimers, leading to mounting frustration among its members, who feel that the Ajit Pawar group has benefitted from the ambiguity surrounding the symbol’s legal status.
Ongoing Legal Tussle and Its Implications.
As the case progresses, the outcome of this symbol dispute could have far-reaching implications for the Maharashtra Assembly elections and the political landscape in Maharashtra. Both factions continue to stake claims on the NCP’s identity, with each vying to establish itself as the legitimate heir to the party’s legacy.
In Wednesday’s session, the Supreme Court underscored the gravity of adhering to court orders, emphasizing the importance of transparency for voters. With the Maharashtra Assembly elections approaching, the Court’s insistence on immediate compliance indicates its intention to prevent any confusion among the electorate.
The case also highlights broader concerns over election symbols in Indian politics, where party identity is deeply entwined with electoral branding. For now, Ajit Pawar’s faction has pledged to issue a disclaimer within 36 hours. As the factions continue their battle over the ‘clock’ symbol, the Supreme Court’s final decision will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future identity of the NCP.