Punjab Municipal Election: SC’s Deadline Missed, Case Escalates to High Court as Election Commission Faces Contempt Plea!

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu):The case regarding the Punjab Municipal Elections has reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court after the State Election Commission failed to issue a schedule despite the Supreme Court's directives. The Supreme Court had set a deadline of November 26 for the announcement, which was not met.

Petitioner Beant Singh, through his lawyer, filed a contempt petition against the State Election Commission. The petition requests an urgent hearing before the Chief Justice's bench today.

On November 22, the petitioner had sent a letter to the Election Commission after the Punjab government issued a notification for the elections. However, no election schedule has been announced by the commission, leading to the legal challenge.

During a previous hearing, the court had indicated that if they felt appropriate action was not being taken, the matter could be brought back before the court.

Minister Ravjot Singh Calls for Party Symbol Elections

Earlier, Municipal Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh spoke to the media, stating that the decision regarding the elections now lies with the State Election Commission. He confirmed that a letter had been sent to the Commission and emphasized that the elections should be held using party symbols.

Old Ward System to Be Followed for Elections

The Municipal Department has informed the Election Commission that they are prepared to conduct elections by the end of December. The elections will be held in urban areas, following the previous ward divisions, as per the orders from the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court's Directive for Timely Elections

The legal battle over the municipal elections reached both the High Court and the Supreme Court. On November 11, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab government to complete the election process within 10 weeks. The Court ordered the issuance of the election notification within 15 days and the completion of the election process within the following eight weeks.