PIL wants ban on Congress symbol because it resembles police logo

A public interest litigation filed in the Bombay High Court has sought a ban on the electoral symbol of Congress -- a hand -- claiming that it is very similar to the logo of Maharashtra Police. The petition has been filed by RTI activist Hemant Patil.

The symbol may lead common man to equate Congress with police and think that the party maintains the law and order, it says. Patil claims that he approached the Election Commission of India as well as the Maharashtra home ministry and filed written complaints, but no action was taken.

The PIL, which names Union of India, chief election commissioner, president/secretary of Congress and chief secretary, Maharashtra home department as respondents, may come up for hearing next week.