Madras HC order on local body poll footage stayed

The State Election Commission had approached the apex against the Madurai Bench order. Appearing on behalf of the SEC, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi questioned the court’s order, which was apparently based only on doubts. DMK advocate P Wison intervened to say that the court had taken cognizance because of a host of malpractices and irregularities during vote counting. After hearing both sides, Chief Justice SA Bobde passed an interim stay on the court order and also issued a notice to the HC Registrar seeking a reply in this regard.

A petition filed by Satta Panchayat seeking early conduct of elections to urban local bodies came up before the bench as well. Advocate GS Mani contended that the State government deliberately delayed the polls so it could distribute Pongal gifts to the electorate before holding the elections. The bench said it will later take it up for hearing.