HC seeks Punjab’s response on petitions challenging panchayat polls

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday sought an urgent response from the Punjab Government after a large number of petitions challenged the panchayat elections in the state scheduled for October 15.

A total of 315 petitions have been filed by candidates, alleging irregularities and violation of democratic norms during the process of filing and scrutiny of nomination papers.

The matter is being heard by the Bench of Justice Sandeep Moudgil and arguments are still going on.

As many as 13,237 gram panchayats in Punjab would go to polls on October 15. These are being held after more than five years. The notification for the same was issued after the High Court had earlier questioned the state government on September 19 as to when the state intended to conduct the elections. The term of many panchayats had ended in January.