CHENNAI: The Election Commission (EC) will soon decide on filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court in the case relating to the transfer of Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police R.Nataraj.

Replying to queries at a press conference here on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta said the State Election department had sent a copy of the Madras High Court judgment to the poll panel.

The EC would take a decision after studying it.

Mr.Gupta said the court had observed that as the EC would get ample powers to issue a direction for transfer of a designated police officer after the poll notification, it would be open to the State Government to take an appropriate decision on the issue in consultation with the Commission. No such initiative had come from the Government.

Wider coverage

He said to ensure wider coverage under the Elector's Photo Identity Cards programme, the ongoing campaign would be extended till the month-end.

Central paramilitary forces would come to the State as part of security arrangements a few days ahead of elections.

The 284 poll observers, including 50 expenditure observers, would directly complain to the Commission if there was a deviation or infringement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Mr.Gupta said the EC had directed Presiding Officers to ensure that no additional person accompanied any voter at the time of casting the vote.

No unauthorised photography or video recording should be allowed inside polling stations. The Presiding Officer would be held responsible for any lapse.

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