The Supreme Court on Friday (Oct 18) sought the response of the Punjab government and the State’s Election Commission to a plea alleging irregularities in the recent panchayat polls in the State. Bench directed that the replies be filed in four weeks.The panchayat polls in the State were held on October 15. Earlier on October 15, the top court had declined to stay the polls after noting that the polling had already commenced.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court called for a response from the Punjab government and the State Election Commission following allegations of irregularities in the recent panchayat elections.
The court’s directive was issued on Friday, as a Bench comprising Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and Sanjiv Khanna ordered both parties to submit their replies within a four-week timeframe.
The panchayat elections in Punjab were conducted on October 15. Prior to this, on the same day, the Supreme Court had declined to halt the polling process, noting that the election had already begun. This development followed an appeal that was brought to the court, challenging a ruling from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
On October 14, the High Court dismissed around 800 petitions that raised concerns about irregularities during the panchayat elections. These petitions had been filed by three Dalit individuals who claimed they were “prevented from filing their nominations” by supporters of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab.
The Punjab government, in response to the allegations, argued before the High Court that the petitions were not valid, as the petitioners should have filed election petitions instead. Initially, the High Court had imposed a stay on the elections for over 200 panchayats, but this stay was lifted on October 14, and the petitions were subsequently dismissed.
This dismissal prompted the petitioners to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. In response to their appeal, the Supreme Court issued notices to both the Punjab government and the State Election Commission, seeking clarification on the matter.
During the hearing, advocate Ajit Pravin Wagh, representing the petitioners, informed the Bench that his clients are in the process of filing an election petition. In response, the Bench instructed that the election petition be “heard expeditiously” once filed.
The case highlights the ongoing legal battle over the panchayat elections in Punjab, with serious allegations of irregularities that continue to be debated in the courts.
The Supreme Court’s involvement signifies the significance of the issue and the potential for further developments as the case progresses.
CASE TITLE:
Sunita Rani and ors v State of Punjab and ors.
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