The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday night stayed the operation of the press note issued by the office of the District Election Officer, through the Assistant Commissioner (Elections) of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, that had warned hoteliers of action for providing food either free of cost or at discounted rate for those who cast their vote.
However, the court imposed a condition on the hoteliers that their offers should not be sponsored by any political parties. Nor can the hoteliers claim credit for themselves or on behalf of political parties. The court also made it clear that the authorities can take action against the hoteliers in case of any law and order problem due to such offers to voters. The court also gave liberty to the authorities to prosecute the hoteliers if they are found violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Justice T.G. Shivashankare Gowda passed the interim order on a petition filed by Bruhat Bangalore Hotels’ Association and Krishnaraj S.P., proprietor of hotel Nisarga Grand on Nrupathunga Road.
