Punjab civic polls: High Court orders CCTV surveillance at all polling booths and counting centres

Punjab civic polls: In a significant move aimed at ensuring free, fair and transparent municipal elections in Punjab, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the State Election Commission to install CCTV cameras inside and outside all polling booths and counting centres across the state.

The High Court ordered that the CCTV footage must be preserved for one year and should not be destroyed without prior permission. The court further clarified that if an election petition challenging the result of any ward is filed, the related CCTV footage cannot be erased without the approval of the Election Tribunal.

The Bench also instructed Returning Officers to ensure that all cameras remain functional during polling and counting processes and that continuous monitoring is maintained throughout the elections.

The court warned that strict disciplinary action would be initiated against officials if any CCTV camera was found non-functional or if negligence in recording and monitoring was detected.

Addressing security concerns of candidates contesting the civic polls, the High Court stated that any candidate facing a threat perception may approach the SSP concerned, who would be required to take immediate action on such complaints.

The court further directed that election petitions filed after the polls should be disposed of within six months on a priority basis, in line with the Supreme Court guidelines, so as to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.

The High Court issued these directions while disposing of multiple petitions seeking measures to ensure fairness and transparency in the Punjab municipal elections.