HC cancelled local body elections in Tamil Nadu saying "there was no level playing field" (File)
In a setback to the Tamil Nadu government, the High Court cancelled local body elections in the state, scheduled for later this month, saying that "there is no level playing field available to all parties" and that the state government "did not give sufficient time to other parties to get ready for elections."
Justice N Kirubakaran was scathing in his criticism of the Tamil Nadu government and said that the state government stood to benefit from knowing the date of the elections before they were publicly announced.
"The ruling party obviously had prior information about the elections, as proved by the announcement of its candidates on the date of notification and there was not sufficient time given to other parties to get ready for election," he said.
Opposition leader RS Barathy of the DMK had filed a petition in the court after the State Election Commission announced polling dates on September 25, even before issuing a public notification about the conduct of elections.
He also claimed that the Commission did not provide for adequate reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribe candidates as is required under the constitution.
The court on Tuesday directed the Commission to issue fresh dates for elections before December 31. It also ordered the Commission to reject nominations of those candidates who did not furnish information about their criminal background, if any.
DMK chief M Karunanidhi welcomed the decision of the High Court.
"This will lay the ground for free and fair elections in Tamil Nadu," he said.