17 May 2024 Civil Appeals >> Civil & Consumer Law   |   Elections Law >> Constitution & Law Procedure  

A recent court order has shed light on the relationship between political party manifestos and candidate conduct. The court dismissed an appeal arguing that a party's financial promises in its manifesto could be seen as a corrupt practice by its individual candidates.

The appeal, which arrived late ("delay condoned"), presented arguments suggesting such manifesto promises amounted to bribery of voters. However, the court found this argument to be excessive ("too far-fetched").

While the court acknowledged the broader legal question of manifesto promises and potential corruption, it chose not to delve deeply into it in this specific case ("facts and circumstances"). The details of the case itself didn't necessitate a comprehensive ruling on this point.

Ultimately, the court dismissed the appeal, meaning the original decision stands. Interestingly, the court left the legal question about manifestos and corruption unanswered ("The question of law is kept open"). This means a future case with more relevant circumstances could see this issue addressed definitively.

This court order offers some clarity on the immediate issue but leaves the broader question about manifestos and potential corruption open for future legal battles.