The Election Commission is solely to blame for the second wave of Covid and may most likely be charged with murder, the Madras High Court said today, in the harshest condemnation yet of crowded campaigns for the five state polls that persisted in the midst of raging virus cases. The court has threatened to halt voting on Sunday until a “blueprint” is in effect.

According to reports, the Election Commission will respond after it receives the order.

“Your organization is solely to blame for the second wave of COVID-19. Your officers should most likely be charged with murder “The Election Commission was told by the Madras High Court.

Despite court orders, the election body had refused to follow Covid safety laws such as gloves, sanitizers, and distancing while campaigning, according to the High Court.

“Were you on another planet during the election rallies?” asked Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee.

The High Court also requested by Friday a schedule for enforcing Covid rules on May 2 – the day of the results. The High Court stated that without it, the counting could be halted.

“The importance of public health cannot be overstated. It is unfortunate that legislative bodies should be reminded of this. Only when a man lives would he be able to enjoy the privileges guaranteed by a democratic republic “According to the court.

Orders will be processed later today. The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Transport Minister MR Vijayabaskar seeking Covid enforcement in Karur constituency counting halls, where he ran for office.

Covid incidents have erupted in tandem with elections in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. India recorded 3.52 lakh cases and 2,812 deaths in 24 hours today, setting a new low.

Last Thursday, the Election Commission halted roadshows and demonstrations and restricted public meetings to 500 voters, with just three rounds of polling remaining in Bengal’s record eight-phase election and all other states have completed their voting.