High Court Stays Panchayat Polls In Parts Of Punjab; Slams State For 'Blatant Abuse Of Power', Says Attempt Made To Destroy Fair Election

The Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the panchayat elections in parts of Punjab, citing blatant abuse of power by the state government. The court noted that candidates were declared winners unopposed due to arbitrary rejection of nomination papers, often without valid reasons. In some cases, officials tore up nomination papers or claimed they were lost. The court emphasized that such actions violated the statutory right to vote and undermined the democratic process. The interim stay was granted in response to over 250 petitions, with the court highlighting the need for free and fair elections. The matter will be heard next on October 16, with the court stressing the importance of providing voters with the option to cast their vote, including the NOTA option.