The Gujarat High Court today quashed the EC's directive to seize cash above Rs 2.5 lakh in transit in poll-bound Gujarat by terming it as unconstitutional. The court also directed the commission to immediately stop search and seizure operation being carried out randomly against the common people.

A Division bench of the court observed that the action of the Election Commission is ultra vires as it violates personal privacy and fundamental rights of the citizen.

The court said search and seizure should not take place unless there is some specific input of money being tnasferred to influence the voters.The court was hearing a set of PILs filed, including one filed by Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, against the EC where crore of rupees, bullion and jewellery in transit have been seized by the authorities.