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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a series of directions to ensure free, fair and transparent municipal elections scheduled across Punjab on May 26, 2026.
The court disposed of multiple petitions seeking safeguards during the conduct of elections in Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats. A division bench comprising Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi and Justice Deepak Manchanda heard a batch of petitions filed by several candidates and petitioners, including Amandeep Singh Nagi, Parveen Mittal, Chinda Nath, Ankit Jain and others. During the hearing, the petitioners demanded installation of CCTV cameras inside and outside polling booths, surveillance at vote counting centres and storage rooms, appointment of senior observers, and enhanced security arrangements for candidates contesting the elections. The Punjab government informed the court that CCTV cameras would already be installed inside polling booths and counting centres to ensure transparency in the election process. The state also stated that senior IAS, PCS and police officers had been appointed as poll observers across Municipal Councils. Taking note of the submissions, the High Court directed that CCTV cameras must be installed both inside and outside polling stations. The court further ordered that counting centres should remain fully covered under CCTV surveillance and the entire counting process must be recorded. The bench also directed that CCTV footage from polling booths, counting centres and Returning Officers' rooms should be preserved for at least one year from the date of elections. In cases where election petitions are filed, the footage cannot be destroyed without prior permission of the Election Tribunal. The court said Returning Officers would be responsible for ensuring that all CCTV cameras remain functional throughout the polling and counting process. It warned that officials found negligent in maintaining surveillance systems could face disciplinary action recommended by the Punjab State Election Commission. The High Court also directed that CCTV systems should include date and time stamps, in line with previous notifications issued by the Punjab State Election Commission. On the issue of security, the state assured the court that police authorities had been directed to remain vigilant during the elections. The court observed that candidates facing genuine security threats may approach the concerned SSPs, who would be required to take appropriate action. Additionally, the court noted that Election Tribunals would remain bound by Supreme Court directions to decide election-related disputes as expeditiously as possible, preferably within six months. (ANI)
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