Bajwa moves HC for extension in date for filing of nominations

Alleging breakdown of democratic norms during the nomination process for Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa today approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking extension of the last date for filing nomination papers. He asserted that widespread incidents of tearing, snatching and destruction of nomination forms on December 4 had prevented several candidates from filing valid nominations.

Bajwa sought directions to the State Election Commission to extend the deadline and also to constitute an independent monitoring mechanism or appoint observers to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent polls. He also pressed for an inquiry by the CBI or any other Central agency into the conduct of Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, following the surfacing of alleged audio recording purportedly directing police personnel – among other things – to disrupt the nomination process.

In his petition, Bajwa maintained: “Numerous candidates could not file the nomination papers on the last date, December 4, as there were multiple instances of snatching and destroying of nomination papers, cases of illegal detentions, persons being waylaid and picked up and candidates not allowed to reach the venue etc. There were videos and photos captured that showed persons running away with candidates’ nomination papers, fights taking place, brawls breaking out, candidates not allowed to reach the venue, NOCs not issued, and officials concerned nowhere to be found.”

Calling the alleged misconduct of the police “serious one", Bajwa warned: "If during an election, the very police that is supposed to ensure free and fair elections would start indulging in the abuse of power, undermining the law of the land and restraining the Opposition candidates from filing nomination papers, the faith of the people would be shaken in the democratic process. Therefore, it is imperative that immediate time-bound investigation is initiated by a Central agency in the matter concerned.

Advocate Arshpreet Khadial appeared for Bajwa before the Chief Justice to make an oral mentioning. The request was allowed by the High Court and now the matter would be taken up on December 8.