'Unfortunate': P&H HC On Phagwara Mayoral Polls Not Being Conducted On Time Despite Court Order, Appoints Ex-Judge As Independent Observer

Observing that it is an unfortunate situation where despite clear and categorical directions, the State-authorities instead of complying with the directions gave rise to a second round of litigation, the Punjab & Haryana High Court appointed a former High Court judge as an independent observer for Punjab's Phagwara Municipal Corporation Elections.On January 24, the Court directed. Observing that it is an unfortunate situation where despite clear and categorical directions, the State-authorities instead of complying with the directions gave rise to a second round of litigation, the Punjab & Haryana High Court appointed a former High Court judge as an independent observer for Punjab's Phagwara Municipal Corporation Elections. Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Sukhvinder Kaur said, "The fact remains that when this Court had issued clear directions to the respondent-authorities to conduct the election in question on the scheduled date and time as per the notice dated 22.01.2025 issued by the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Phagwara, the respondents cannot be heard saying that the election could not be conducted due to ruckus in the meeting." Consequently, while disposing of the plea the Court issued a slew of directions and appointed Justice Harbans Lal, former Judge of the High Court, as an independent observer for conducting Mayoral Polls.