Election Commission Suspends Army Colonel’s Appointment As SSP In J&K Due To Model Code Violation

The Election Commission of India on Monday suspended Colonel Vikrant Prasher’s appointment as SSP (Training) and Special (Ops) in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Commission requested an explanation from the Jammu and Kashmir administration regarding why this order was issued without prior approval while the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in effect.

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The poll body asked the Chief Secretary to submit a compliance report by October 1, detailing the reasons for issuing the order without the Commission’s consent. The directive from the Election Commission’s Secretariat, issued on September 30, stated: “The Commission has observed that the Model Code of Conduct is in effect in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and as such, there is a ban on the transfer of officers connected to the election. Without delving into the rationale, process, and urgency of appointing an Army officer as SSP on the civil side during the MCC, the Commission hereby directs that the order be kept in abeyance with immediate effect. If the order has been executed, the situation prior to the issuance of the order shall be restored immediately.”

Additionally, the Chief Secretary is required to send the compliance report by 11:00 AM on October 1, along with an explanation for the issuance of the order without the Commission’s approval. This action comes just before the third and final phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.

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