PIL challenges registration of name AAP by EC

MUMBAI: A PIL filed in the Bombay High Court has challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, contending that the name is misleading and "unconstitutional".

The petition, filed by advocate Chittranjan Kumar, may come up for hearing in the next two weeks.

It states that Kejriwal registered his party with Election Commission on December 3, 2012, according to provisions of Representation of People's Act.

But its name is misleading because the term 'Aam Aadmi' (common man) is associated with, and used by all political parties, it says.

The Election Commission, in February 2013, rejected his objection, the PIL says.

Is the existence of any political party possible without the support of 'Aam Aadmi', it asks, adding that Congress used the term at the time of 2004 and 2009 elections and "as a guiding principle" in running the coalition government at the Centre.

Even the Unique Identification Authority uses the expression 'Aam Aadmi ka Adhikar' on Aadhar card, it says.