The Election Commission of India said that the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was the responsibility of the State authorities, a day after the Madras High Court said the ECI was unable to ensure political parties followed the rules while campaigning for the Assembly elections.
"The statements being attributed to the Hon’ble High Court in certain sections of media do not find mention in the order finally passed", the ECI said.
The polling was conducted while following COVID-appropriate measures. It added that Tamil Nadu ordered lockdown restrictions due to the second surge from April 20, 16 days after the campaign ended, the ECI added.