Amid the phase of the upcoming MC Elections in Punjab, a new guideline is directed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. According to recent updates, HC has ordered to record the entire process of nominations of the Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation.
This significant development in elections follows the appeal filed by the Punjab BJP in response to the disturbances in Patiala during the nomination process. Therefore, to bid the transparency and fair treatment with the candidates, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had to issue this guideline.
HC’s Order Ahead of the MC Elections in Punjab
The order to record the whole nomination process of MC elections was issued by a bench that includes Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Kirti Singh. The order settles the petition that alleged harassment of BJP candidates in Patiala.
In its ruling, the court also directed the SEC (State Election Commission) to ensure that all election-related activities. This includes documenting nominations, voting, and counting through videography at every polling station and location. The High Court highlighted the importance of adhering to SEC’s guidelines, so that elections will be conducted fairly and unbiased.
The Petition by BJP
A petition was filed by Vijay Kumar and others. The appeal filed by the members mentions the challenges faced by the candidates in filing nominations, especially in Patiala. The petitioners claimed that returning officers and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) were obstructing candidates to fill the nomination forms. They even threatened them with serious consequences if they continue in the elections.
The plea mentioned, “These actions not only infringe upon the rights of candidates but also tarnish the democratic ethos of our country.” The petitioners mentioned that 11 candidates at Ghanaur were refrained to the enter the office. A complaint was also files against the SHO of Ghanaur, Guatam Sood for threatening the candidates. Despite the complaint no strict action was proceeded against him.
These issues also underlined the violation of constitutional principles, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and existing rules for fair elections.
Punjab MC Elections: Additional Details
The elections count and places include
-Five Municipal Corporations of Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Phagwara.
-44 Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats.
The Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council elections are scheduled for December 21, 2024. The results of the elections will be declared on the same day. The inspection of nomination forms will be on December 13. Candidates have the time period till December 14 to step back from the elections. Additionally, election symbols will be allotted on 14th December.
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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