Panchayat elections 2024: Punjab and Haryana High Court stays elections in 270 panchayats until October 16

Panchayat elections 2024:  The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a stay on elections in around 270 panchayats in Punjab until October 16, effectively ruling out their participation in the polls initially scheduled for April 15.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court maintained that the petitions brought forward include allegations of malpractice during the nomination process, supported by substantial evidence and documents. "Such allegations cannot be ignored and it is important to have transparent elections to maintain public trust in democracy," said the court.

According to the High Court, voting and contesting elections are not only fundamental and constitutional rights but also legal entitlements. The court raised concerns over the rejection of candidates' nominations on minor grounds, deeming it improper. It questioned how all nominations could be dismissed to declare a single candidate as the winner, describing such actions as a "murder of democracy."

The court pointed out that even when the NOTA (None of the Above) option is available, elections should proceed, regardless of whether only one candidate is in the fray. In light of the complaints and considering the broader public interest, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Government to file its response during this period, maintaining the stay on the elections until October 16.