New Delhi, Oct 21: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to defer the publication of the final candidates’ list for the upcoming urban local body elections until October 25. 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 YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, had made out a prima facie case that several of its candidates were prevented from filing nominations for elections to around 100 urban local bodies.
The court directed the AP SEC to examine complaints from YSRCP and other candidates who claimed they were obstructed from filing nomination papers. It asked the commission to decide by Thursday, October 22, whether the nomination deadline should be extended.
Supreme Court Directs Security for Candidates
The Supreme Court directed the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to provide adequate security to contesting candidates and election offices.
The bench observed that filing nomination papers is an essential part of ensuring free and fair elections. It also asked the AP SEC to take all necessary steps to address concerns raised by YSRCP and other candidates about the fairness of the election process.
The commission was directed to submit a compliance affidavit by October 27, the next date of hearing.
YSRCP Seeks Extension of Nomination Deadline
YSRCP approached the Supreme Court challenging an October 18 order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which rejected the party’s request to extend the nomination period by one day.
The party alleged that violence, threats and physical obstruction prevented several of its candidates from filing nominations for the urban local body elections.
According to the petition, the nomination process began on October 16 and ended on October 18. YSRCP claimed that some of its candidates were assaulted and prevented from reaching nomination centres during this period.
The petition was filed by YSRCP general secretary Lella Appireddy through advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki.
YSRCP Seeks Police Protection and Alternative Nomination Centres
YSRCP has requested police protection for its candidates, an extension of the nomination deadline and additional or alternative nomination centres to help candidates submit their papers safely.
The party argued that these measures were necessary to ensure that candidates who were allegedly prevented from filing nominations could participate in the electoral process.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed the party’s request, stating that the nomination deadline had already expired and that extending it would amount to interference with the election process.
The Supreme Court’s latest order requires the AP SEC to examine the complaints and decide on the request for an extension by October 22. The commission must also comply with the court’s directions on security and submit its affidavit by October 27.
The final candidates’ list is to be withheld until October 26, as directed by the Supreme Court.
