The Election Commission does not have any legal authority to regulate “political alliances”, the poll panel has told the Delhi High Court in response to a petition challenging the use of the acronym INDIA by a coalition of 26 political parties.

The Election Commission (EC), in its reply filed in the case, said it has the power to conduct elections and register entities as a political party but “political alliances” are not recognised as “regulated entities” under the Representation of the People Act or the Indian Constitution. It, however, clarified that its reply is limited to its role and the same may not be construed as its “expression” on the “legality of the usage of the acronym I.N.D.I.A”.