Chandigarh, May 12
Was presentation of ceremonial swords and their subsequent unsheathing by VIPs at almost all major political rallies in north India in general and Punjab in particular a violation of the general guidelines of the Election Commission?

Technically yes, admit a cross section of legal experts, bureaucrats and those who remained associated with the conduct of elections. “Otherwise it has been a convention in this part of the country to felicitate the guest with a sword of honour,” they add.

In many parliamentary constituencies, the district magistrates had issued orders under Section 144 Cr PC prohibiting people from carrying firearms, lethal weapons, including swords and sharp-edged weapons, for periods varying from four weeks to six weeks to ensure smooth conduct of Lok Sabha elections.

Though such promulgations were made in several parliamentary constituencies in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh on eve of the elections to the 14th Lok Sabha in 2004, no prohibitory orders were issued this time.

However, in several other parliamentary constituencies, including Aini in Dibang valley, the District Magistrate had banned carrying of firearms and lethal weapons, including swords, dao, bow and arrows for a period of 60 days this time also. The order quoted Election Commission directions for promulgating the prohibitory orders.

“It is for the district magistrate to decide,” says a senior lawyer.

Many others interviewed by The Tribune question the wisdom of political bigwigs in presenting and then unsheathing swords at major political rallies. “What message they want to give by waving unsheathed swords at rallies? It is time for the Election Commission to take cognizance of this unwanted ritual,” asserts a retired police officer.

Others wonder at the wisdom of prohibiting carrying of firearms while lethal weapons, including swords, spears, lathis and other sharp-edged weapons, are allowed to be carried at the time of election rallies or even on the day of polling.

Many, however, argue that since carrying of a three-ft kirpan is a part of religious requirement of the Sikhs, imposing a ban would lead to unnecessary controversy. But in 2004 elections, the then Deputy Commissioner, Anurag Verma, had issued an order prohibiting carrying of firearms, lethal weapons, including kirpans in the district for the whole duration of elections.

Deputy Commissioner of Chamba in Himachal and also in Chandigarh issued similar orders.

There are several other occasions where VIPs visiting the state can be presented swords of honour than only election time. Some of the senior national leaders, including the Prime Minister, NDA’s Prime Ministerial candidate and leaders of all national parties got not one but several swords of honour during campaigning in the region. At times, they got as many swords as many rallies they addressed in a day.