New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has told the Delhi high court (HC) that it received a "grave and highly sensitive" inputs against the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and that the outfit's registration as a political party may adversely affect the country's sovereignty and integrity.

The ECI said while the issue of registration of the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) was under consideration, the commission received a "sensitive" input in July that the outfit is rooted in "separatism", was founded by individuals detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and poses grave concerns regarding its allegiance to the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

It said while the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Punjab gave ...