Patiala Municipal Corporation case: No voting in 8 wards in Patiala and 7 wards in Dharamkot, where nominations were not allowed
No voting in 8 wards in Patiala and 7 wards in Dharamkot, where nominations were not allowed: Govt
HC orders on MC poll in Patiala expected anytime soon
A holiday would be declared in all schools whose buildings are being used for election purposes
Court to convene shortly to take further decision
There are a total of 1,609 polling locations having 3,809 polling booths.
37.32 lakh voters, including 17.76 lakh females and 204 others, are eligible to cast their votes
The polled votes will be counted on the same day at the polling station itself, after the completion of polling of votes
Elections to 5 MCs, 44 councils in Punjab on Dec 21
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the ongoing municipal elections in Patiala-1. 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. It requests the implementation of videography norms to ensure transparency throughout the election process. 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.
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."
The Advocate General said, "We should be given two weeks' time."
The Punjab and Haryana High Court said, "This won't work. We need the names of each police officer right now."
The Advocate General says, "We will take action."
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a stern stance on the chaos that unfolded during the nomination process for the Patiala Municipal Corporation elections. Hearing a petition filed against the alleged violence and disruptions, the HC strongly criticised the conduct of officials and police personnel present during the incidents.
The petitioner highlighted that on the day of nomination, widespread hooliganism occurred, where candidates were reportedly manhandled, and their nomination papers snatched and torn. Shockingly, women candidates were allegedly harassed, with some reporting that their clothes were torn during the melee. The Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed that despite prior orders mandating videography of the nomination process, the petitioners were unable to reach the venue, let alone file their papers.
Also Read | Punjab MC elections: SAD files petition in HC flagging chaotic scenes during nomination process
Upon reviewing video evidence presented by the petitioner, the High Court remarked, "This is absolutely intolerable." The court noted that the incidents took place in the presence of police officers, who failed to intervene.
When the Advocate General of Punjab argued that FIRs had already been registered, the court retorted, questioning the lack of action against the police officers who were mere spectators during the chaos. "A crime is being committed right in front of your police, and you’re waiting for complaints?" the court remarked sharply.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the immediate identification of the police personnel and officials present at the scene, ordering FIRs to be registered against them. The court warned that failure to act could result in a stay on the entire election process.
The Municipal Corporation elections are scheduled to be held by December 21.
- PTC NEWS
