The Supreme Court has ordered a temporary halt to the election process in 100 urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh, including 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities.
On October 21, the State Election Commission (SEC) suspended further election steps following the court’s directions. The court asked the SEC to delay the publication of the final candidate list until October 25.
The order follows petitions about difficulties faced by candidates while filing nominations and concerns over law and order. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) claimed that its candidates were unable to file nominations in 19 municipalities.
The court directed the SEC to consider extending the nomination deadline in areas where candidates faced such difficulties. If an extension is approved, the deadline must be extended by at least 48 hours from the time the decision is announced.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha has asked district officials and police officers to submit reports. The SEC said it would take further decisions based on these reports and the court’s directions.
The commission is expected to issue further orders on October 22.
