Published Oct 21, 2026 | 1:12 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 21, 2026 | 1:12 PM
Supreme Court
Synopsis: Saying that the Supreme Court has a responsibility to protect democracy, the court objected to the government, noting that not a single police complaint was received about election clashes. The judges questioned who would file nominations amid violence and a lack of law and order at the nomination centres. The Supreme Court said the opposition must have an opportunity to contest elections and warned it would not sit quietly while negligence continues.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 21 October, directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to postpone publishing the final list of local body poll candidates.
The court’s directive came amid complaints that many candidates were forcefully prevented from filing their nomination papers.
Hearing a petition by YSRCP, a vacation bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana said the final list of candidates could be published by 25 October. The list was originally scheduled for publication on Wednesday, 21 October.
Although the Supreme Court did not interfere in the conduct of local elections, it directed the SEC to address objections and complaints in light of incidents that occurred during the nominations.
The Supreme Court bench ordered the SEC to resolve complaints from candidates in 19 municipalities where violence occurred during the municipal nomination process. The court instructed the SEC to examine the complaints and decide whether to allow the filing of nominations.
The YSRCP approached the Supreme Court with a Special Leave Petition after the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed its petitions on 18 October.
The court asked the SEC to decide by Thursday, 22 October, whether to reconduct the nomination process in the 19 places where violent incidents occurred. The Bench also directed the SEC to file a status report by 27 October.
Also Read: YSRCP moves SC alleging mass violence blocked nominations
The Supreme Court bench said local body elections must be conducted transparently. It clarified that candidates must be allowed to file nominations, the SEC must take all measures to ensure the elections are held peacefully, and candidates must be allowed to file nominations voluntarily.
The bench ordered security for the safety of contesting candidates and directed the DGP to take appropriate measures. The Supreme Court made it clear that the DGP must ensure the election process runs smoothly, take steps to keep clashes and law and order under control, and that the police are responsible for the safety of those coming to file nominations.
The Supreme Court ordered district superintendents of police to provide security to YSRCP candidates. It also directed the SEC to ensure that Collectors accept nominations at district headquarters.
Saying that the Supreme Court has a responsibility to protect democracy, the court objected to the government, noting that not a single police complaint was received about election clashes.
The judges asked who would file nominations amid violence and a lack of law and order at the nomination centres. The Supreme Court said the opposition must have an opportunity to contest elections and warned it would not sit quietly while negligence continues.
The Supreme Court will further hear the case on 17 October. Elections in Municipal Corporations and Municipalities in AP are scheduled for October 28.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
