The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to withhold publication of the final list of candidates for the upcoming urban local body elections until October 26, following allegations that several opposition candidates were prevented from submitting their nomination papers.
A vacation bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana found that the Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) had established a prima facie case concerning obstruction of its candidates during the nomination process for elections to approximately 100 urban local bodies.
The final list of candidates was originally scheduled to be published on Wednesday.
Election Commission Asked to Examine Complaints
The Court directed the State Election Commission to examine complaints submitted by the YSRCP and other candidates alleging that they were prevented from filing their nominations.
The Commission must consider the relevant materials supporting these complaints and decide by Thursday whether the deadline for submitting nomination papers should be extended.
The bench emphasised that the opportunity to file nomination papers forms an essential part of conducting free and fair elections.
DGP Directed to Ensure Security of Candidates
The Supreme Court also instructed the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to provide adequate security to candidates contesting the elections and to election offices.
The direction came amid allegations that certain candidates had faced obstacles in participating in the electoral process.
The bench further asked the State Election Commission to take all necessary measures to address concerns raised by the YSRCP and other candidates regarding their ability to participate in free and fair elections.
The Court’s directions require the poll panel to address the nomination-related grievances before proceeding with publication of the final candidate list.
