Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Chandigarh administration to promptly set a new date for the mayoral election. This directive was issued during the hearing of a petition challenging the decision to postpone the poll from January 18 to February 6. The court emphasized the urgency of holding the election and demanded the administration provide the earliest feasible date or face a merit-based decision.

Petition Challenges Decision to Postpone Mayoral Poll

Filed by AAP councillor Kuldeep Kumar, the petition contested the administration's decision to defer the mayoral poll due to the illness of the presiding officer. Both the Congress and AAP accused the BJP of obstructing the election out of fear of an "imminent defeat." Kumar's counsel argued that delaying the poll could lead to irregularities, emphasizing the need for an early election.

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Cites Feasibility Concerns

In response, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation's representative stated before the court that holding the poll before January 26 was not feasible. The court had expressed concerns about the delay during a previous hearing, citing February 6 as too distant a date. The administration had justified the postponement, citing law-and-order considerations amid the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration and Republic Day preparations.

Court to Decide on Merit after Hearing Arguments

The court adjourned the matter to Wednesday and instructed the administration's counsel to provide the earliest feasible date or face a merit-based decision after hearing both sides' arguments. The petitioner, Kuldeep Kumar, sought the overturning of the February 6 poll date and demanded the quashing of restrictions on councillors' entry imposed by the municipal corporation authorities, urging the court to ensure fair and unbiased conduct of the mayoral polls.

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