‘Courts’ Hands Are Not Tied’: Supreme Court Steps In Over Andhra Poll Violence Claims, SEC Halts Process
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has halted the ongoing election process for all 100 urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state following directions from the Supreme Court of India over allegations of obstruction and violence during the nomination process.
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has halted the ongoing election process for all 100 urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state following directions from the Supreme Court of India over allegations of obstruction and violence during the nomination process. The order, issued by State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, covers 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats. The Commission said it would issue a further order on October 22 after receiving reports from district collectors, district election authorities and police officials.
The move follows the Supreme Court's directions in a petition filed by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), which alleged that several of its candidates were prevented from filing nomination papers because of law-and-order problems. SC Stays Probe Against Former Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan in CMRL-Exalogic Case for 7 Days.
Supreme Court Directs Andhra Pradesh SEC to Review Nomination Complaints
On October 21, the Supreme Court directed the Andhra Pradesh SEC to examine complaints submitted by the YSRCP and other candidates, along with supporting documentary and electronic evidence, including video recordings. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked the Commission to decide by October 22 whether the nomination deadline should be extended in areas where candidates were unable to file their papers because of the law-and-order situation.
The court also directed the SEC to postpone publication of the final list of contesting candidates until October 25. If the Commission decides to extend the nomination deadline in affected areas, the additional period must be at least 48 hours from the publication of its decision.
YSRCP Alleges Violence During Andhra Civic Poll Nominations
The YSRCP, led by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, approached the Supreme Court after the Andhra Pradesh High Court declined to extend the nomination period. The party alleged that its candidates faced intimidation, assaults and obstruction while attempting to file nominations between October 16 and October 18. The complaints cited incidents in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati. ‘Children Have a Fundamental Right To Access the Internet’: Supreme Court Rejects Blanket Restrictions.
The party claimed that nomination papers were snatched and torn in Kadapa and that nine candidates contesting the Tirupati Municipal Corporation elections were prevented from entering the offices of returning officers. These claims remain allegations raised by the petitioner party. The Supreme Court said the material placed before it established a prima facie case for issuing directions to safeguard the electoral process.
Supreme Court Orders Security for Candidates and Nomination Centres
The Supreme Court also directed the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police to ensure adequate security for candidates and election offices, including appropriate police deployment and CCTV coverage at nomination centres. The directions are intended to ensure that candidates can participate in the election process without intimidation or obstruction. The bench emphasised that the ability to file nomination papers is an essential aspect of free and fair elections and that constitutional courts can intervene when necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
What Happens Next in Andhra Pradesh Urban Local Body Elections?
The SEC's order temporarily halted further electoral activities across all 100 urban local bodies while the Commission awaited reports from district and police authorities. The Commission was expected to issue a further decision on October 22, including whether nomination deadlines should be extended in affected areas.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for October 27, when the SEC and the state government are expected to submit compliance reports. The statewide halt does not, by itself, amount to cancellation of the elections. The subsequent course of the polls will depend on the Commission's decisions in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 09:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
