Supreme Court Stays AP Municipal Poll Candidates List Till October 25

The Supreme Court has placed a temporary stay on the release of the candidates list for the Andhra Pradesh municipal elections. A bench of the apex court clarified that this stay will remain in effect until October 25 and directed election officials not to declare the list until further orders.

The order was issued by a bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana during the hearing of a petition filed by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The YSRCP alleged that its candidates were intimidated and prevented from filing nominations during the local body election process.

Highlighting that free and fair elections are a basic constitutional principle, the Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to examine the complaints and evidence submitted by the YSRCP and take a decision by October 22. The court stated that if the nomination deadline is extended, candidates must be given at least 48 hours to file their papers.

Furthermore, the apex court directed the Andhra Pradesh DGP to ensure CCTV cameras are installed at nomination centers and to provide adequate security for contesting candidates. The Supreme Court will hear the matter again on October 25 to give its next decision.