New Delhi, Oct. 21:: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to defer publication of the final candidates list for the upcoming urban local body elections until October 26. The list was scheduled to be published on October 21.
A vacation bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana observed that the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, had made a prima facie case that several candidates were prevented from filing nominations for elections in around 100 urban local bodies.
Supreme Court Seeks Action on Nomination Complaints
The bench directed the Andhra Pradesh SEC to examine complaints from the YSRCP and other candidates who alleged they were prevented from submitting nomination papers. It asked the commission to consider relevant evidence and decide by Thursday whether to extend the nomination deadline.
The Supreme Court also directed the state Director General of Police (DGP) to provide adequate security to contesting candidates and election offices.
The bench emphasised that filing nomination papers is an essential part of ensuring free and fair elections. It asked the SEC to take all necessary measures to address concerns raised by the YSRCP and other candidates about the fairness of the electoral process.
The directions come amid allegations of obstruction during the nomination process for Andhra Pradesh’s urban local body elections.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
