Supreme Court directs Andhra Pradesh to ensure fair poll process, defer candidate list

A vacation bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana on Wednesday emphasized that maintaining public confidence in electoral processes is essential for preserving constitutional democracy, as it heard petitions challenging the fairness of Andhra Pradesh's upcoming civic polls.

The court directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to postpone releasing the final list of candidates until October 25, allowing time for a thorough review of grievances. The bench was hearing a complaint filed by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party, which alleged that its candidates faced violence and intimidation while attempting to file nomination papers, effectively preventing their participation in the elections.

The judges instructed the state election panel to examine complaints from the YSRCP and other candidates, along with supporting documentation, and submit its decision by Thursday on whether to extend the nomination filing deadline. This action acknowledges the need to ensure all eligible parties can participate without fear or obstruction.

Recognizing the gravity of the security concerns, the Supreme Court asked the state's Director General of Police to deploy adequate security personnel to protect candidates and election commission offices. The court underlined that the right to file nomination papers is a fundamental aspect of the democratic electoral process and must be safeguarded to uphold public faith in the system.