PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued significant directions to the Punjab State Election Commission regarding the ongoing municipal council and municipal corporation elections in the state.

Hearing a petition related to alleged irregularities in the nomination process, the court directed the commission to issue a detailed speaking order within 48 hours in every case where a candidate’s nomination has been rejected.

The court also ordered the commission to upload the final list of all accepted candidates along with complete details by late Tuesday night to ensure transparency in the election process.

Petition raised concerns over lack of disclosure

The directions came while disposing of a petition filed over the handling of nomination papers during the civic poll process.

Advocate Paramveer Singh Sunny, appearing in the matter, argued before the court that candidates whose nominations were being rejected were not being informed about the specific grounds for rejection.

The plea alleged that nominations were being cancelled without proper explanation and that the election authorities had also failed to upload the final list of accepted candidates on the official platform.

The petition further stated that details submitted by candidates in their nomination papers were not being made public, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in the election process.

Court orders immediate compliance

Taking note of the submissions, the High Court directed the Punjab State Election Commission to maintain transparency by clearly stating the reasons behind every rejected nomination.

The court further instructed authorities to make all relevant candidate-related information publicly accessible and ensure timely uploading of the final candidate lists.