Maharashtra News: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to issue a disclaimer within 36 hours, clarifying that the use of the clock symbol remains a matter under judicial review. The directive mandates publication in various newspapers, including prominent Marathi dailies. Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ajit Pawar, assured the court that the disclaimer would be published promptly.Judicial Pressure to Expedite Disclaimer PublicationA bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed urgency in the matter, questioning why any delay was necessary for the disclaimer. When Singh initially suggested a two-to-three-day timeframe, Justice Kant responded, “Within 24 hours, maximum 36 hours, you publish disclaimer in newspapers.” Singh confirmed that the party had already contacted newspapers to expedite the disclaimers release.Sharad Pawar Group Raises Concerns over ComplianceThe courts order follows accusations from Sharad Pawars faction, which claimed that Ajit Pawars group had removed videos from social media that lacked the necessary disclaimer. The faction presented recent photographs from Baramati, alleging the Ajit Pawar group had displayed posters without disclaimers, in violation of court guidelines. The Sharad Pawar camp, represented by its counsel, argued that repeated violations had forced them to seek judicial intervention multiple times.The Supreme Court had previously allowed the Ajit Pawar faction to use the clock symbol under strict conditions, including issuing a public disclaimer that clarified its usage was pending the courts final decision. Additionally, Ajit Pawars faction was directed to avoid using Sharad Pawars name or image in their campaign materials.Election Commissions Role in Party Symbol AllocationThe conflict between the Ajit and Sharad Pawar factions arose after the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognized Ajit Pawars group as the legitimate NCP, granting them the clock symbol based on their legislative majority. Consequently, the Sharad Pawar faction was directed to use the name “Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar” along with the “man blowing turha” symbol. The Supreme Court has maintained the ECIs directive for the Sharad Pawar faction until further notice.
