Gujarat
Rajeev Dhavan, Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court, is a well-known commentator on legal issues. Recently he submitted a detailed memorandum on behalf of the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat) to the Election Commission, on the interpretation of Article 174 of the Constitution, and what the E.C. is expected to do under Article 324 to ensure free and fair polls in Gujarat (Frontline, August 30). In this interview to V. Venkatesan, he explains how he perceives the E.C.'s August 16 order on Gujarat and the Centre's reference to the Supreme Court. Excerpts:

Interview with Rajeev Dhavan. In your memorandum to the E.C. on behalf ...