UP panchayat polls: Supreme Court permits counting of votes after EC assures of COVID-19 protocols
The Supreme Court on Saturday refused to stay the counting of votes for panchayat polls in Uttar Pradesh. The apex courtroom additionally stated no victory rallies shall be permitted in the course of the counting, starting on Sunday, or after the method is over. The State Election Commission, it stated will fasten duty on gazetted officers for the observance of COVID-19 protocols at counting facilities.
It additionally directed the state SEC to protect CCTV footage of the counting facilities in states until the Allahabad High Court concludes listening to the pleas earlier than it.
On Friday, the Supreme Court Friday had sought response from the Uttar Pradesh authorities and the state election fee (SEC) on a plea in search of course for observance of COVID-19 protocols within the counting of votes on Sunday for just lately concluded Panchayat polls there in view of the second wave of COVID-19.
A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar, whereas issuing discover to the state authorities and the ballot panel, took observe of the submissions of lawyer Shoeb Alam and agreed to hear the attraction on Saturday.
The bench was listening to the attraction filed by one Sachin Yadav difficult the Allahabad High Court order which had allowed Panchayat elections to proceed within the state.
Polling for the panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh ended Thursday with an over 60 per cent turnout until 5 pm within the remaining section, marred by a bunch conflict in Mathura and the deaths of two employees who fell ailing whereas on ballot responsibility.
