Punjab High Court Issues Dual Setbacks to AAP Government Over Election Misconduct and Unlawful Detention

Chandigarh:

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered two significant rebukes to the Aam Aadmi Party administration in Punjab within a brief period. The court issued strong statements against state operations—initially regarding alleged irregularities in local elections, followed by a case of unlawful detention connected to political rivalries.

In the initial matter, the High Court reprimanded the Punjab Election Commission concerning its management of the zila parishad and block samiti elections scheduled for December 14.

The dispute revolves around an audio recording involving Patiala's senior police official Varun Sharma. The recording allegedly captures Sharma instructing subordinate officers to prevent Opposition candidates from submitting their nominations for the Zila parishad and Block Samiti elections.

In a comprehensive ruling, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry observed that the State Election Commission failed to maintain the expected neutrality during electoral processes.

The judicial panel noted that the Commission "should have risen to the occasion" and implemented immediate measures to eliminate any perception of partiality.

The justices stated that the Commission ought to have assigned the verification of audio and video evidence to an impartial agency beyond the state government's influence and should have removed SSP Varun Sharma from election responsibilities pending investigation. These judicial comments serve as a firm reminder about preserving electoral integrity.

In a separate setback for the government, the High Court criticized police and district officials in Ferozepur for allegedly hindering the release of gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon despite bail documentation being ready for submission.

The case, heard by Justice Sanjay Vashisth, originated from a petition filed by Sekhon's mother, who claimed her son's detention was politically motivated due to an ongoing conflict with a village sarpanch affiliated with the governing party.

The court expressed dismay that Sekhon's attorney, who possessed the required surety documents, was reportedly prevented from completing the necessary paperwork—resulting in Sekhon's incarceration on December 12.

Describing the delay as "serious" and "unacceptable," the court directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police to personally ensure immediate completion of bail formalities.

The bench cautioned that any further delay would be considered a violation of fundamental rights and would result in stringent action.

With local body elections approaching, the court's observations have not only raised concerns about administrative impartiality but have also put the government on alert that any shortcomings, whether perceived or actual, will now face more rigorous judicial scrutiny.