Punjab Govt Defers Civic Body Polls In Certain Wards After Plea Before HC Alleges Snatching Of Nomination Papers In Front Of Police

The Punjab Government today deferred the Municipal Corporation elections in certain wards of Patiala and Dharamkot district after a plea before the Punjab and Haryana High Court was filed alleging snatching of nomination papers in front of police.

During the hearing, petitioners shown the videos where it was clearly seen that some police men were standing when nomination papers of women was snatched and destroyed by culprits in front of Police men.

Justice Harkesh Manuja noted that, “It has also been assured by learned Advocate General, Punjab, that proceedings in accordance with law shall be initiated against the erring officials/ private individuals, those who are visible in the videos appended by the petitioner(s) along with the present contempt petitions, at the earliest.”

The Court was hearing contempt plea wherein the it was stated that the direction issued by the High Court to the authorities to follow the due process in the elections was not followed.

“In order to facilitate the ruling government and its supports,  blatantly misused the administrative muscle power in order to harm the democratic fabric of election,” added the plea.

It was alleged that Punjab Government authorities in connivance with supporter of ruling government destroyed documents/nomination paper of the other party candidate, whereas, administrative officials intertextually facilitated them and police authorities stood mum in order to greet their political affiliations.

AG Punjab Gurminder Singh submitted that a decision has been taken by the State to defer the elections pertaining to certain wards of Patiala and Dharamkot (where incidents were alleged).

Inderpreet Singh Vs. Tejveer Singh, IAS and others

Mr. Tejbir Singh Hundal, Advocate and Mr. S.S. Cheema, Advocate for petitioner(s) in COCP Nos.5141, 5189 and 5190 of 2024.

Mr. H.S. Oberoi, Advocate for the petitioner in COCP 5302-2024

Mr.Gurminder Singh, Advocate General Punjab assisted by Mr. Gunjan Mehta, Addl. A.G., Punjab,  Sh.R.P.S. Bara, Addl. A.G., Punjab, DAG Ms Harpriya Khaneka for Punjab Govt.

Mr.Narender Hooda, Sr. Advocate with Mr.Kartik Sharma, Advocate for intervener.

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