HYDERABAD: The District Election Officer of Hyderabad has constituted a district level appellate committee to look into the authenticity of cases brought forward by the Flying Squad Teams (FST) and Static Surveillance Teams (SST) among others. The Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer have issued instructions for the constitution of the committee.
The committee is aimed at avoiding inconveniences to public and genuine persons and also for redressal of grievances, if any, and for the release of seized cash in genuine cases. The committee will contain District Revenue Officer T Poornachander Rao, Kuktpally Zonal Commissioner J Shankaraiah and District Treasury Officer B Yadagiri.
Why this team?
Recently, people carrying cash for emergency needs were also apprehended by flying squads because they had no proper documents. Now, this committee will suo motu examine such cases. If the committee finds there is no FIR registered, and if the seizure is not linked with any party or candidate, it would order release of the money.
All cases of cash seizure should immediately be brought to the notice of the Committee and it will take action as per rule. In no case, the matter relating to seized cash or valuables should be kept pending in treasury for more than seven days after the date of poll, unless any FlR or complaint is filed.
Candidates must declare criminal record
Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has made it clear that all contestants are to fill up the form provided by the ECI and furnish all particulars. This, as per a SC verdict regarding people with criminal antecedents contesting polls. Candidates must state in bold letters the criminal cases pending against them. The party concerned should also be obligated to put up on its website the aforesaid information pertaining to candidates having criminal antecedents. Similarly, candidates and parties must issue declarations in widely circulated newspapers and electronic media about the criminal antecedents of persons contesting elections. This must be done at least thrice after nominations and before the polls.
CEO to hold all-party meet today
With filing of nominations set to begin on November 12, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar will hold a meeting with representatives of all political parties at 6 pm on Friday to discuss and clarify any doubts or issues. Topics likely to be included are candidates with criminal background and declaration of liabilities to be paid to public financial institutions.