DEHRADUN: The Nainital High Court on Monday closely examined the controversial District Panchayat President election, demanding detailed explanations from senior officials amid serious allegations of rigging and violence.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice G. Narendra and Justice Alok Mehra, adjourned the crucial hearing until Tuesday, 19 August.
The court deliberated extensively on the petitioners' call for a re-poll, one of the key issues raised, but deferred a decision, stating that the matter would be revisited on Tuesday.
Five district panchayat members, allegedly abducted during the election process, were produced before the High Court on Monday. While the court refrained from questioning them directly, it expressed grave concern over reports that an armed gang had come within 200 metres of the polling booth.
In a strongly worded remark, the bench stated: “This clearly indicates a failure on the part of the police administration,” and subsequently requested a detailed affidavit from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) regarding the incident.
District Magistrate Vandana Singh, appearing via video conferencing, defended the 3am vote count on 15 August, asserting its legality. She confirmed that the ballot papers, which were stored securely in a treasury locker, had been presented to the court. The DM was also instructed to submit a sworn affidavit.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has filed a fresh writ petition, renewing its demand for a re-poll. The court carefully reviewed video evidence, including disturbing footage showing individuals in raincoats allegedly dragging the five abducted members away. Additional concerns were raised over social media videos titled "Nainital Ko Hila Dala" ("Nainital Shaken"). The SSP assured the court that arrests related to the videos’ circulation were imminent.
Amid these high-stakes proceedings, prohibitory orders remain in place around the High Court premises, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain order ahead of today’s resumed hearing.