Supreme Court’s Directions and Interim Orders
Publication of Candidate List Deferred
Prima Facie Case Acknowledged
Review of Blocked Candidates
Status Reports Demanded
The Supreme Court of India intervened in the ongoing Andhra Pradesh local body election process, hearing a petition filed by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) alleging widespread violence, assault, and intimidation by TDP cadres during the nomination period. The Supreme Court noted a prima facie case regarding candidates being physically prevented from filing their nomination papers. The apex court directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to defer publishing the final list of candidates until October 25. The court directed the SEC to process and take decisions by October 22 on complaints raised by YSRCP and other aggrieved candidates who were prevented from submitting their nominations.
Security Measures Mandated
The Director General of Police (DGP) was directed to ensure adequate police security, proper bandobast, and full CCTV coverage across nomination centers to prevent further clashes. The Supreme Court directed both the SEC and the Andhra Pradesh government to file detailed compliance affidavits, scheduling the next hearing for October 27.
Extent of Violence and Affected Municipalities
The petition, filed by YSRCP General Secretary Lella Appireddy through advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, detailed physical blockades and attacks across multiple urban local bodies during the nomination window. Reports of nomination papers being snatched and torn directly in front of election officials in Kadapa Municipality. Specific allegations indicated that 9 YSRCP candidates were physically intercepted and blocked from entering the nomination office in Tirupati Municipal Corporation. The filing process collapsed completely due to torn papers, leading to an official postponement in Mydukaru Municipality. Instances of police intervention and lathi-charges were reported as clashes escalated outside nomination centers in Proddatur Municipality .
Response of the State Election Commission (SEC)
In response to the Supreme Court’s observations emphasizing the SEC’s responsibility to protect democratic integrity, the Commission stated that district reports are being evaluated on conducting as Custodian of Fair Elections. The SEC officially postponed the municipal election in Mydukaru (YSR Kadapa district) after reviewing local collector reports on torn nomination forms and destroyed documents, confirming that fresh notifications will be issued. State Election Commissioner discussions with District Collectors and SPs are underway, with the state DGP tasked to maintain strict oversight.
Developments in ZPTC, MPTC, and Other Local Bodies
The SEC announced the schedule for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections, with voting scheduled for November 3. The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected YSRCP’s prayer seeking the deployment of central paramilitary forces for MPTC/ZPTC elections, placing the responsibility on state police. For the upcoming rural local polls, the SEC appointed 687 Returning Officers for MPTC and 28 for ZPTC divisions, setting spending limits at ₹4 Lakhs for MPTC candidates and ₹8 Lakhs for ZPTC candidates.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
CS Kulasekhar Reddy had thirty five years experience in journalism. He worked in Udayam and Andhra Bhoomi as reporter and sub-editor. He highlighted various social issues in Chitthoor, Ananthpur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts. He covered assembly sessions and Secretariat happenings.
Email: sangatiksr@gmail.com
Mobile: 9000400679
