Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Standing Counsel for the State and Shri Rohit Tripathi, learned counsel for Election Commission through video conferencing.
The present writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed with the following prayer:
(i) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of Mandamus commanding the Opposite Party No. 1 to 5 to forthwith provide proper security to the petitioner, so that she may secure her nomination for the post of Village Pradhan and in democratic manner, campaign her election, which is scheduled to be held on 19.04.2021 in Village Karoha Maan, Block and Tehsil Mankapur, District Gonda.
(ii) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of Mandamus commanding the Opposite Party No. 1, 2 and 3 to ensure free and fair election during the voting day i.e. 19.04.2021 with presence of extra force along with CCTV and videography at voting place in village Karoha Maan, Block, Tehsil and Police Station Mankapur, District Gonda.
Learned counsel for petitioner submits that respondent No. 7 has been occupying the post of Village Pradhan of the Village Panchayat Karoha Maan, Block, Tehsil and Police Station Mankapur, District Gonda for last 20 years. He does not allow free and fair election to take place. The petitioner is a candidate for the post of Village Pradhan of the said village and she apprehends that this time also respondent No. 7 will not allow free and fair election. The election of the said Panchayat is scheduled to be held on 19.04.2021.
Shri Rohit Tripathi, learned counsel for Election Commission submits that the Election Commission shall ensure and take all appropriate steps for free and fair election of the Village Panchayat concerned.
Considering the aforesaid submission, this petition is disposed of with the direction to the Election Commission to ensure free and fair Panchayat Election and take all adequate measures/ steps which are requiring in free and fair election.
With the above observations/ directions, the present petition stands disposed of.
Order Date :- 15.4.2021 Mustaqeem