The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice on a contempt petition against Punjab State Election Commissioner Raj Kumar Chaudhuri for alleged non-compliance with court directions on implementing an optional online nomination filing system for local body elections. The petition was filed by High Court lawyer Nikhil Thamman, who alleged that the Punjab State Election Commission failed to act on his representation seeking online nomination filing for elections to municipal corporations, municipal councils, and panchayati raj institutions in Punjab.
Court Proceedings
Hearing the matter, Justice Vikas Bahl issued a notice of motion to the Punjab State Election Commission for May 27, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated. The court's action follows a previous public interest litigation that highlighted recurring incidents of violence, clashes, tearing of nomination papers, and obstruction of candidates during local body polls in Punjab.
Background of the Case
In the earlier case, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry had directed the Punjab State Election Commission to decide the petitioner's representation dated December 14, 2025, through a speaking order within 60 days and communicate the decision to him. The petitioner, Nikhil Thamman, had sought the implementation of an optional online nomination filing system to reduce physical confrontations and ensure a smoother electoral process.
The contempt petition alleges that despite the court's clear directions, the State Election Commission did not comply, leading to the current proceedings. The court has now sought a response from the election commissioner, and the matter will be heard further on May 27.
