The Election Commission is perturbed over it being labelled as the agent of the ruling party by Opposition parties and now it wants contempt powers to act against those trying to 'tarnish' its image.

According to reports, the Election Commission has written to the Law Ministry asking it to amend the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, giving it powers to act against person or organisation sullying its image.

In the letter, which was written last month, the Election Commission has also cited the example of Election Commission of Pakistan which enjoys contept powers.

AAM AADMI PARTY VS ELECTION COMMISSION

The Election Commission's demand has come in the backdrop of Opposition parties particularly the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raising questions over the working of central poll panel.

Election Commissioner OP Rawat had recused himself from cases related to the Aam Aadmi Party the Election Commission is hearing after Delhi Chief Minister and party leader Arvind Kejriwal questioned his independence.

"He had questioned the independence of the Election Commission. It is a quasi-judicial body that delivers verdicts. Therefore, I have recused myself so that he can have faith in the independence of the institution," Rawat had said.

Rawat's decision came after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal expressed doubts, saying he did not believe in the independence of two Commissioners, including Rawat because he comes from Madhya Pradesh and has been very close to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan.

The AAP has also been challenging the Election Commission to hold an 'open' hackathon to test Electronic Voting Machine, which the party claims can be manipulated to help a particular party in elections.

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