HC directs state to conduct inquiry into allegations of hijacking of election of President and Vice President of MC, Barnala
Chandigarh-April 29th-HC directs Principal Secretary, Local Government to conduct inquiry into allegations of hijacking of election of President and Vice President of MC, Barnala within two weeks:
A writ petition filed by 18 Municipal Counselors of Municipal Committee, Barnala, led by Paramjit Singh, main petitioner, came up for preliminary hearing today before a Division Bench of High Court headed by Justice Ajay TewarI. The petitioners have alleged in the writ petition that election for the post of President and Vice President of MC, Barnala was conducted by SDM, Varjit Singh Walia,, by show of hands. Two petitioners, namely Paramjit Singh and Parkash Kaur, were elected as President and Vice President respectively, with overwhelming majority, while rival candidates, namely Gurjeet Singh and Narinder Kumar were defeated. The SDM at this stage got the signatures of all Counsellors, including ex-officio member (sitting MLA) in a new Register, for purpose of writing proceedings of election. Immediately thereafter, Kewal Singh Dhillon, Halqa Incharge of Congress, arrived and entered into the Library Hall of Municipal Committee, and asked the SDM to get elections conducted once again. SDM acted as per directions of Kewal Dhillon, and despite strong protests from petitioners, held election once again, but result was same. Paramjit Singh and Parkash Kaur, were elected as President and Vice President respectively, but the SDM, in conspiracy with Dhillon and aforesaid two candidates, namely Gurjeet Singh and Narinder Kumar declared them (Gurjeet Singh and Narinder Kumar} elected as President and Vice President respectively. The petitioners protested before media, which had assembled outside. Next date, Paramjit Singh and Parkash Kaur sent complaints to authorities, including Secretary, Local Government, Director, Local Government , and Deputy Commissioner, seeking inquiry into the matter, and for directing appropriate action against the SDM, Barnala, and also for ordering fresh elections , but the Secretary, Local Government notified election of Gurjeet Singh as President vide notification dated 19.4.2021, without giving any response to aforesaid complaints.
After hearing the Counsel for petitioners this morning, the HC Bench directed the Principal Secretary, Local Government, to hold inquiry into the complaints filed by Paramjit Singh and Parkash Kaur, within a period of 2 weeks, by passing a speaking order on the complaints made by them The HC Bench directed the petitioners to appear before Principal Secretary on May 5th, 2021 for presenting their case.
