SC refuses state-wide extension of nomination deadline

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Supreme Court has declined to extend the nomination deadline across Andhra Pradesh for the ongoing urban local body elections but directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to examine complaints from 19 specific locations where the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) alleged that its candidates were prevented from filing nominations through intimidation and violence. The court also directed the SEC to postpone the announcement of the final candidates’ list in these 19 disputed areas until October 25, while allowing the list to be published as scheduled elsewhere.

The directions came during the hearing of a petition filed by YSRCP, which alleged that its candidates had been obstructed from filing nominations at 19 locations across the state. Emphasizing the constitutional importance of electoral fairness, the bench observed that free and fair elections form part of the basic structure of the Constitution and that constitutional courts cannot remain silent when the electoral process is allegedly disrupted. The court left the decision on accepting fresh nominations to the SEC, asking it to examine the complaints and take an appropriate decision.

Where necessary, candidates could be permitted to submit their nominations before the district collector, the court indicated. The SEC has been directed to file a status report detailing the action taken by October 27, when the matter will be heard again. During the proceedings, lawyers representing the state government presented a counter-narrative, alleging that serious incidents of violence had occurred on October 15 and 16 and accusing YSRCP leaders and supporters of creating disturbances at nomination centers. 

The government’s counsel reportedly referred to allegations involving MP P. V. Midhun Reddy and his associates, including an incident in which people at a nomination center were allegedly hit by a car.

The court’s next hearing on October 27 is expected to review the SEC’s compliance with its directions. Until then, the Commission’s decisions on the 19 disputed locations will be crucial in determining whether affected candidates receive a fresh opportunity to participate in the municipal elections.