The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday issued a notice to the Samajwadi Party for allegedly violating Covid protocols in Lucknow on Friday and asked it to file a reply within 24 hours. The Commission, in the notice, said that available reports, prima-facie, suggest that the Samajwadi Party has violated the aforementioned lawful directions of the Commission and "therefore, the Commission, after considering the available material and extant instructions in the matter, has decided to provide you an opportunity to explain your stand regarding the said violations," it said.

The EC further said: "Your explanation shall reach the Commission within 24 hours of receipt of this Notice, failing which the Commission shall take appropriate decision in the matter without further reference to you." The EC also said that political parties are important stakeholders in the electoral process and they always cooperate with Election Commission in carrying out its constitutional duties of conducting Elections even during challenging times and they are expected to set high standards among the public at large by following the laws of land in letter and spirit during the period of elections.