Punjab and Haryana High Court dismisses 1,000 petitions to cancel Panchayat Elections 2024; polls as per schedule
Punjab Panchayat elections: In a significant development regarding the 2024 Panchayat elections, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed at least 1,000 petitions seeking the cancellation of the elections. The stay has also been removed on 206 panchayats, which was earlier imposed till October 16, and the elections will be held across the state as per the schedule on October 15 (Tuesday).
The Punjab and Haryana Court's decision allows the electoral process to continue as planned, ensuring that the elections will take place without any further legal obstacles on October 15. The decision has been taken by the regular Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The High Court has also granted permission for the videography of the elections for the panchayats that requested it, allowing their elections to be recorded tomorrow (October 15).
No party symbol to be used
The Panchayat elections are scheduled for October 15, but this year, they will not be conducted using party symbols. Despite this, opposition parties have accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of arbitrarily cancelling the nominations of candidates associated with them. Allegations have surfaced that no NOCs were issued to these candidates.
Both the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal have raised concerns regarding the AAP government's conduct, escalating the matter to the Election Commission.
With a total of 13,937 Gram Panchayats in the state, approximately 13.3 million voters are expected to participate in the elections. To ensure a peaceful electoral process, around 96,000 staff members have been deployed. The government has taken multiple measures to maintain order, including the cancellation of all leave for police personnel and officials leading up to the elections. A public holiday has been declared throughout Punjab on the voting day.
Also Read | Punjab Government announces public holiday on October 15 for Panchayat elections voting
To facilitate the Panchayat elections, the State Election Commission has set up a control room at its office located at SCO No 49, Sector 17-E, Chandigarh. A special phone line has also been established to address public grievances, available from 8.30 am to 9 pm daily. Citizens can reach the control room by calling the landline number 0172-2771326. Additional information has been uploaded on the department's website to assist the public.
- PTC NEWS
