Did the Akali Dal Take Legal Action Against Police Over Election Interference?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic legal move, the Shiromani Akali Dal has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging that a senior police official conspired to obstruct their candidates from participating in upcoming elections. This pivotal action raises questions about electoral integrity and the safeguarding of democratic rights.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Action: SAD petitions High Court against SSP for alleged election interference.
- Democratic Rights: The petition stresses the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity.
- Evidence Unveiled: Audio recordings reveal directives to obstruct opposition candidates.
- Statewide Impact: Allegations suggest a broader scheme to favor a specific political party.
- Urgent Need: Calls for judicial safeguards highlight the importance of free elections.
Chandigarh, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking to file a FIR against Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma. The petition calls for his suspension following a viral virtual conference where he allegedly instructed the district police to obstruct SAD candidates from submitting their nomination papers for the upcoming Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections.
The legal action was initiated after SAD president Sukhbir Badal unveiled the recording of the SSP, which allegedly contained directives aimed at preventing opposition candidates, particularly from SAD, from reaching the Returning Officer to file their nominations.
Badal emphasized that this situation represents an infringement on the democratic rights of citizens, attributing these actions to a systematic effort by the SSP to favor the Aam Aadmi Party. He noted that similar orders were purportedly issued to police statewide under government directives and urged the Election Commissioner to intervene, alongside approaching the High Court.
The court has since issued notices to both the state government and the state Election Commission, scheduled for review on Monday. The petition, categorized as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), was submitted by former legislator Daljit Singh Cheema, advocating for urgent legal measures to ensure free and fair elections for the Block Samitis and Zila Parishads set for December 14.
It was highlighted that the SSP allegedly coordinated a criminal conspiracy through the viral conference to intimidate opposition candidates, thereby obstructing their nomination submissions through various means of coercion.
The petition, prepared by the party’s legal head Arshdeep Kler, referenced critical audio snippets that indicated orders to detain rivals at homes or en route to essential offices on behalf of AAP legislators, alongside ensuring Returning Officers annulled candidacy entries, facilitating uncontested victories.
Claiming that the Patiala SSP was undermining peace in the region by establishing a “private militia,” the petition urged the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) or independent monitors until the elections and counting processes in Patiala district were concluded.
Point of View
The actions of the Shiromani Akali Dal in seeking judicial intervention highlight critical concerns regarding electoral integrity. It's essential that democratic processes remain free from undue influence by authorities, ensuring that all political parties can participate without obstruction. Such developments warrant close monitoring as they could set significant precedents for future electoral conduct.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Shiromani Akali Dal to file a petition?
The SAD filed a petition due to allegations that Patiala SSP Varun Sharma directed the police to obstruct their candidates from filing nominations for the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections.
What are the allegations against the Patiala SSP?
The allegations suggest that the SSP orchestrated a plan to intimidate opposition candidates and prevent them from participating in the election process.
What legal action is being sought in the petition?
The petition seeks to register an FIR against the SSP and calls for his suspension, while also urging the court to ensure free and fair elections.
What is the significance of this petition?
This petition raises critical questions about electoral integrity and the protection of democratic rights in Punjab.
When are the elections scheduled to take place?
The Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections are scheduled for December 14.
