MC Elections: Patiala police officials in trouble after high court orders
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ December 20,2024
In a strict note, the Punjab and Haryana High court has asked the state government to “identify each police officer and official involved, name them, and take action against them” who are involved in thwarting the BJP, SAD, Congress candidates from filing the upcoming local bodies elections.
The court observed that “No one is above the law—not the government, not your officials, and not us. Act according to the law and present the actions taken. You are given time until 5 PM.”
As per reports many police officials, SHOs, DSPs, SPs remained mute spectator when the unknown person were snatching the nomination papers from the candidates. Even MLA (Urban) Patiala Ajitpal Singh Kohli, MLA Samana Chetan singh Joramajra, MLA Snaour Harmeet Singh Patahnmajra were allegedly present in the premises when the whole incident happened.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the ongoing municipal elections in Patiala. The petition highlights serious irregularities in the electoral process, including misconduct, intimidation, and unlawful interference. The petition calls for a `de novo’ election process, asserting that the current proceedings are compromised. The petition also demands financial accountability from election officials and asks for an FIR against erring officials. The petition claims that several nomination papers allegedly torn or forcibly taken away by individuals linked to the ruling regime. Political leaders are accused of directly intimidating Opposition candidates, while the police remained inactive despite the chaos. The petition also alleges that nomination papers were deliberately torn and discarded to sideline Opposition candidates, undermining the democratic process. The petition argues that these actions infringe upon the democratic rights of both candidates and voters.
MC Elections: Patiala police officials in trouble after high court orders. The candidates have sought a stay on the upcoming Municipal elections scheduled for December 21 on the grounds that they were thwarted from filing nominations the last date of which was December 12.
