The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has suspended the ongoing election process across 100 urban local bodies after the Supreme Court directed it to examine complaints that candidates were prevented from filing nominations because of alleged law-and-order problems.
The order covers 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats. The commission said the suspension would remain in force while it reviewed complaints and obtained reports from district and police authorities.
The move follows a petition by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), which alleged that its candidates faced violence and obstruction during the nomination process. Although the complaints before the court concerned 19 urban local bodies, the SEC’s order extends the pause to all 100.
The commission is examining representations from the party and individual candidates, along with documentary and electronic evidence, to determine whether nomination deadlines should be extended in affected areas. It is expected to issue a further order after receiving reports from district collectors and election authorities as well as police commissioners and superintendents of police.
Where an extension is granted, the additional time must be at least 48 hours from the publication of the decision. The relevant election notification will also have to be amended.
The Supreme Court intervened on October 21 after the YSRCP challenged the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s refusal to extend the nomination period, which ended on October 18.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed the SEC to consider complaints from the party and other candidates who said they had been prevented from submitting nomination papers. The court also ordered the state Director General of Police to ensure adequate security for candidates and election offices.
The bench said the ability to file nomination papers was an essential part of free and fair elections. It asked the SEC to take steps to address concerns about obstruction and ensure candidates could participate in the electoral process without hindrance.
The court also directed the commission to defer publication of the final list of contesting candidates while it considered the complaints. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on October 27, when the authorities are expected to report on their compliance with the directions.
The YSRCP told the Supreme Court that its candidates had faced assaults, intimidation and obstruction across 19 of the state’s 100 urban local bodies. The party alleged that more than 63% of its candidates in these areas were prevented from filing nominations.
The complaints included incidents in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati. The party alleged that nomination papers were snatched or torn in Kadapa and that candidates were assaulted or stopped from reaching nomination centres in Tirupati. Nine candidates in Tirupati reportedly submitted affidavits supporting the allegations.
These claims formed the basis of the party’s request for additional time to file nominations and stronger security arrangements at election offices.
The SEC and the state government disputed aspects of the allegations during the proceedings. The commission maintained that steps had been taken to provide police protection and security at nomination centres. The state government also contested the petitioner’s account.
The Supreme Court directed the SEC to examine the evidence and decide where an extension was warranted. Its order did not establish the allegations as proven.
The statewide suspension leaves the next steps in the civic election process dependent on the commission’s review and further orders. The immediate issue is whether candidates who say they were prevented from filing nominations will receive additional time to submit their papers.
The SEC’s decision will determine how the process proceeds in the affected areas. Any extension will require changes to the relevant election notifications.
The Supreme Court is due to take up the matter again on October 27 after receiving compliance reports from the election commission and state authorities. Until then, the commission’s review will determine the next steps for the urban local body elections.