MC Patiala Elections: ‘Third Pillar of Democracy’ in action mode; issues strict instructions to police
Kanwar Inder Singh/ roaylapatiala.in News/ December 20,2024
The Supreme Court today (December 20) issued notice to the Punjab State Election Commission in an intervention application filed by the prospective candidates of opposition parties including Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Indian National Congress, alleging that they were systematically prevented from filing nominations for the Municipal Corporation elections in Patiala by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, in a Special Leave Petition challening the December 13 order of the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
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.
After this the supreme court said “the Election Commission should have considered their complaint and decide on merits. Election Commission has all the powers. File a counter affidavit. We will consider this. We are not saying anything. We are not reversing the election process. Ultimately, if you succeed, we will set aside everything.”
In the intervention application, it has been alleged during the nomination period of the elections from December 9 to December 12, State power was systematically deployed to prevent opposition candidates from participating in the electoral process. Particularly on the BJP candidate, it has been alleged that he was illegally detained by the local police on December 12 with the sole purpose of preventing him from filing his nomination papers. It is stated that out of 60 wards in Patiala Municipal Corporation, only 31 candidates could file for nomination.
On the other hand, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was also filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court 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 Patiala Elections: ‘Third Pillar of Democracy’ in action mode; issues strict instructions to police. The Punjab and Haryana High Court said, “If that is the case, we will put a complete stay on the elections. Take your time or take one hour, but identify each police officer and official involved, name them, and take action against them. 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.”
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