The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider the request of the Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh (ABJS) for a common election symbol in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the order while disposing of a petition filed by the party, which claimed that it has been contesting elections since its establishment in 1951 and later renaming in 1979.

The petitioner, represented by advocates Pranay Ranjan and Mrigank Prabhakar, argued that despite fulfilling necessary requirements, the ECI has not responded to its applications. The party pointed out that it was allotted the common symbol “sitar” during the 2024 Andhra Pradesh assembly polls but has not received any confirmation for the Bihar elections.

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The plea highlighted that the party had formally approached the ECI on June 2, 2025, through a written request for allotment of a common symbol, followed by a reminder on July 4, 2025. However, no reply was received.

According to the petition, denying a symbol would amount to curtailing the party’s constitutional guarantee and statutory right to contest elections. The ABJS sought a court directive to ensure the commission responds to its representations and considers allotment of a symbol in a time-bound manner.

The high court, while refraining from issuing a direct allotment order, instructed the ECI to consider the plea and take an appropriate decision.

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