AP files caveat in SC as YSRCP challenges nod for local polls

Amaravati: The state government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court seeking an opportunity to present its arguments before any order is passed on the YSRCP’s challenge to the conduct of local body elections in the State.

The move comes after the YSRCP approached the Supreme Court against the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s October 1 verdict, which cleared the way for ward delimitation and the conduct of local body elections. The YSRCP has sought directions to the State government to complete the entire delimitation exercise before proceeding with the elections.

The Opposition party has contended that the government was moving ahead with preparations for local body elections without completing the required processes, including ward delimitation. It has also questioned the use of January data relating to rural and urban local bodies for the exercise.

Following the filing of the YSRCP petition on Monday, its counsel immediately mentioned the matter before the court of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, submitting that the election schedule could be announced at any time and seeking an urgent hearing.

The CJI indicated that the matter would be examined comprehensively. During the proceedings, when the issue of freezing ward boundaries was mentioned, Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the freezing of municipal boundaries did not apply to wards.

Against this backdrop, the State government filed the caveat, effectively seeking to ensure that its side is heard before the Supreme Court passes any interim or other orders on the YSRCP plea.

The YSRCP’s challenge is directed at the High Court’s clearance for the State to proceed with delimitation and local body elections. The Supreme Court’s consideration of the plea could therefore have a direct bearing on the timing and preparatory process for the elections.

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The Hans India