Punjab & Haryana High Court Mandates Fresh Block Samiti Election in Moga District
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a significant order for a fresh election to be conducted for the two top positions of the Baghapurana block samiti in Moga district. The court has scheduled the election for March 28 and mandated that it be held under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and in the presence of an independent observer to ensure transparency and fairness.
Petition Alleging Election Irregularities and Illegal Detention
This judicial intervention comes in response to a petition filed by 15 members of the block samiti, comprising 13 from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and two independent members. The petitioners raised serious allegations regarding the initial election held on March 17 for the chairperson and vice-chairperson posts. They claimed that they were illegally detained and deliberately prevented from casting their votes, which led to protests at the block development panchayat officer's office in Baghapurana.
While local Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand had earlier announced that two party members were elected, the official election process was declared incomplete due to cited "law and order issues." This declaration added to the growing controversy surrounding the electoral proceedings.
Controversy Deepens with SDM's Allegations Against DC
The situation escalated further when Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Babandeep Singh Walia sent a formal letter to Chief Secretary K A P Sinha. In the letter, SDM Walia accused Moga DC Sagar Setia of harassment and undue pressure to declare the election results. DC Setia promptly dismissed these allegations as false, pointing out that the SDM only raised the complaint on March 22, which was five days after the election took place.
During the court proceedings, the High Court questioned SDM Walia, who was ordered to appear in person, about how his letter became public. The court remarked that if the SDM genuinely felt pressured, he should have addressed the matter through internal administrative channels rather than allowing it to enter the public domain.
Court's Directives for Ensuring Fair Election Process
The High Court has issued clear directives to the state government to ensure the presence of all elected panchayat samiti members on the election day of March 28. The court emphasized, "Even if someone is arrested or has a case registered against them, their presence must still be ensured." This directive underscores the court's commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive electoral process.
Advocate Parambir Singh Sani, representing the SAD members, stated that the court issued these directions after thoroughly reviewing the facts presented in the case. While SDM Walia was unavailable for comment following the court order, DC Sagar Setia affirmed, "As per the directions of the honorable high court, the election will be conducted under my supervision in a free and fair manner on March 28. Every eligible elected member will be ensured the opportunity to be present."
The appointment of an independent observer is a critical step to monitor the election and uphold the integrity of the democratic process. This development highlights the judiciary's proactive role in addressing electoral disputes and ensuring that local governance bodies function without undue influence or procedural flaws.
