AP Municipal Polls: Supreme Court Sets October 25 Deadline

Supreme Court Orders on AP Municipal Elections

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 21, directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to postpone the publication of the final list of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections until October 25. The directions came during a hearing on a petition filed by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

A special bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana also directed the SEC to examine complaints from candidates who were allegedly prevented from filing nominations due to violence and law-and-order problems.

The court asked the Election Commission to review representations submitted by YSRCP and affected candidates, including video evidence, and decide by Thursday, October 22, whether the nomination deadline should be extended in the affected areas.

If the SEC finds that candidates were unable to submit their nominations due to law-and-order problems and decides to extend the deadline, an additional 48 hours must be provided from the time its decision is published.

The Supreme Court also directed the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure adequate security for candidates, police deployment and CCTV surveillance at nomination centres.

YSRCP approached the Supreme Court alleging that several of its candidates were threatened, assaulted or prevented from submitting nomination papers during the election process. The party cited incidents in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati.

During the hearing, YSRCP’s counsel argued that nearly 63% of its prospective candidates had been unable to file nominations. The state government disputed the allegations and questioned the opposition party’s account of the disturbances.

The bench observed that free and fair elections are an essential constitutional principle and that candidates must have a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

However, the Supreme Court did not automatically reopen nominations across the state. It left the decision on extending the deadline in affected areas to the State Election Commission after examining the complaints and supporting evidence.

The matter will be taken up again on October 27, when the state government and Election Commission are expected to submit compliance affidavits. Municipal polling is currently scheduled for October 28.