JUDGMENT

Prateek Jalan, J. (Oral)--The proceedings in the matter have been conducted through hybrid mode [physical and virtual hearing].

1. The petitioner, Bhartiya Janta Dal Integrated ["BJDI"] is a political party, registered with the Election Commission of India ["ECI"], but not recognised either as a national party or a State party. BJDI contested elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi ["MCD"] in 2021. The grievance with which it has approached this Court is that the candidates belonging to the BJDI were not allotted a common symbol, but were compelled to contest on individual symbols for the MCD election, akin to independent candidates.

2. The relief sought in the writ petition is as follows: -

"(a) Issue a writ, direction, order more in the nature of writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ/order/directions thereby directing the respondents not