AP Local Body Polls: SC Asks SEC To Extend Nomination Deadline

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) to decide, by Thursday, on the plea of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) seeking an extension of the deadline for filing nominations in the elections to Urban Local Bodies, wherever it finds that candidates could not file their papers because of the law and order situation.

It directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission not to publish the final list of candidates for upcoming urban local body polls in the state until October 26. The final list was scheduled to be published today. A vacation bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said that YSRCP has "made out prima facie case" that several of its candidates were stopped from filing nomination papers for polls to around 100 urban local bodies.

The YSRCP has moved the top court against the October 18 order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court refusing to extend the nomination period by one day.The YSRCP has alleged that mass violence in the state has prevented its candidates from filing nominations for the urban local body elections. It has sought police protection for candidates, an extension of the deadline for filing nominations, and the designation of additional and alternative nomination centres to enable candidates to submit their papers safely.

The SC bench asked the SEC to examine the representations filed by the YSRCP and its candidates, along with documentary and electronic evidence, including video clips.

Where an extension is granted, the Court said, candidates must get at least 48 hours from the publication of the decision to file their nominations, and the election notification must be amended accordingly. The Court also directed the Commission to postpone the publication of the final list of contesting candidates until October 25, 2026.

The bench directed the Director General of Police to ensure adequate police bandobast, CCTV coverage and protection at nomination centres for candidates coming forward to file their papers. A compliance report has to be submitted.

The SEC and the State government have been asked to file compliance affidavits and report to the Court on the steps taken and take necessary decisions, and issue appropriate orders to address the apprehensions of the petitioner and other stakeholders and ensure that all eligible candidates have a free and fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

The bench asked the AP SEC to file its compliance affidavit by October 27, which is the next date of hearing.

AP Local Body Polls: SC Asks SEC To Extend Nomination Deadline

The Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission to decide on the YSRCP plea seeking an extension of the deadline for filing nominations in the local body polls.

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