Tripura HC has directed the DGP to ensure adequate security for CPI(M)-sponsored candidates filing nominations for upcoming urban local body elections in five subdivisions, following allegations of intimidation and obstruction. The court emphasised candidates’ democratic right to contest elections.
The Tripura High Court on Friday directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure adequate security arrangements in five subdivisions to enable CPI(M)-sponsored candidates to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming urban local body elections without facing obstruction or intimidation.
The direction was issued by a single bench headed by Justice S. Datta Purkayastha while hearing a writ petition filed by the CPI(M) Tripura State Committee, represented by its secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, along with seven intending candidates.
The petitioners alleged that a fearful atmosphere had been created in Jirania, Ranirbazar, Mohanpur, Santirbazar and Kamalpur by miscreants allegedly associated with the ruling party. According to the petition, the situation had prevented opposition-backed candidates from freely approaching the respective Returning Officers to submit their nomination papers.
The petitioners also brought to the court’s attention several alleged incidents of intimidation and obstruction in Mohanpur, Kamalpur and Jirania, stating that First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered in connection with those incidents.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, senior advocate Tapash Datta Majumder informed the court that November 6 was the final date for filing nomination papers, with the deadline fixed at 3 pm. He urged the court to direct the police authorities to provide sufficient security to ensure that the intending candidates could submit their nomination papers before the concerned Returning Officers within the stipulated time.
The petitioners sought immediate judicial intervention, arguing that the alleged atmosphere of fear and insecurity could prevent opposition candidates from exercising their democratic rights during the election process.
Opposing the allegations, Advocate General Saktimoy Chakroborty submitted that the police had taken appropriate action wherever complaints had been received and FIRs had been lodged. He denied the allegation that any CPI(M)-sponsored intending candidate had been physically assaulted or threatened, as claimed by the petitioners.
The Advocate General further argued that following the issuance of the election notification on October 30, the State Election Commission had assumed control over matters relating to the election process.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the High Court considered the urgency of the matter, particularly because November 6 was the last day for filing nominations. The court observed that contesting an election was a democratic right of candidates and that appropriate arrangements were necessary to ensure they could participate in the electoral process without hindrance.
Taking these circumstances into account, Justice S. Datta Purkayastha directed the DGP to make adequate security arrangements in all five subdivisions so that CPI(M)-sponsored intending candidates could submit their nomination papers peacefully and without obstruction.
The court clarified that the direction was being issued without making any observation on the merits of the allegations raised in the writ petition.
Recognising the urgency of implementing its order before the nomination deadline, the High Court also requested Additional Government Advocate Dipankar Sarma to immediately communicate the directions verbally to the Director General of Police.
The court further directed that copies of the order be sent to the police chief without delay to ensure prompt compliance.
The writ petition was subsequently disposed of in terms of the directions issued by the court.
The petition had been filed against the State Election Commission, the Tripura government and several concerned officials, including the DGP, district municipal election officers, Returning Officers and police authorities.
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The High Court’s intervention came amid allegations of intimidation surrounding the nomination process for the upcoming civic elections. The direction sought to ensure that candidates sponsored by the opposition party received the necessary security to exercise their democratic right to participate in the electoral contest.
The order also highlighted the importance of maintaining a secure and obstruction-free nomination process, allowing candidates to approach election authorities and submit their papers within the prescribed deadline.
