The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Andhra Pradesh DGP to provide police protection to YSRCP civic poll candidates. The court also asked the SEC to postpone the final candidate list until October 25. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy said, "We hope that at least now, they will ensure the process is fair."
The top court directed the SEC to postpone publication of the final list of contesting candidates till October 25. This comes after the YSRCP had moved the SC, stating that a number of its candidates were stopped from filing their nomination papers, allegedly by TDP cadres
In a relief to the YSRCP, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to resolve the party's complaints that its candidates were prevented from filing nomination papers for the upcoming urban local body elections, and directed the DGP to provide protection to those who seek it.
The special bench, comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, directed the SEC to postpone publication of the final list of contesting candidates till October 25.
The SC gave the directions in a petition filed by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on October 19, stating that a large number of its candidates were stopped from filing their nomination papers, allegedly by the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadres and supporters.
The top court has asked the SEC to decide by Thursday on extending the deadline in cases where it has received petitions from candidates, stating they were unable to file their nominations. The SEC has been directed to look into all the documentary and electronic evidence, if any, submitted by the candidates while seeking extension of nomination deadline.
The candidates must receive at least 48 hours from the publication of that decision to file nominations, and the election notification shall be amended accordingly, the SC said.
The SC has asked the state DGP to ensure adequate police bandobast, CCTV coverage at nomination centres, and protection for candidates going to file nominations, and submit a compliance report.
The SC has directed the SEC to take all steps to ensure that a fair and free election is held, concerns of all those participating in the electoral process are addressed, and a report is submitted to the top court in this regard.
YSRCP leaders welcomed the SC's directions.
"The SC has taken note of our grievances that our candidates were prevented from filing nomination papers. The directions to the SEC and the DGP are very clear. We hope that at least now, they will put their act together and ensure that the process is fair and free, and our candidates are able to file their papers without fear,'' said former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy.
On October 19, the YSRCP filed a petition in the apex court, seeking protection for its candidates, alleging they were being attacked, intimidated, and prevented from filing nomination papers for the elections scheduled in Andhra Pradesh from October 28 to December 2.
In its petition, the YSRCP cited incidents of violence in Punganur, Rayachoti, and other places.
The Special Leave Petition had challenged an earlier order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, refusing to extend the nomination period by one day. The HC had held that extending the deadline would amount to interference with the election process.
The nomination process, which began on October 16, had ended on Sunday.