Chandigarh, Dec. 9 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday gave the Punjab State Election Commission two days to spell out its position on an inquiry into a viral audio clip that petitioners say reveals attempts to manipulate upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu was hearing petitions filed by former MLA Diljit Singh Cheema and multiple PIL litigants. They alleged the audio captured “directives to halt opponents at homes or routes, act on local MLA’s orders, shield ruling AAP supporters with positive reports, and ensure returning officers reject entries,” amounting to coaching for uncontested victories and violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
The court recorded the submission of the Commission’s counsel that an inquiry had been assigned to ADGP S.P.S. Parmar and that the report was awaited. The Bench then adjourned the matter to Wednesday “to enable the State Election Commission to come out with a stand.”
During the hearing, counsel for the Punjab government said the original device used to record the conversation would be necessary for a proper forensic examination. The PIL petitioners disagreed, arguing that the available material was sufficient and urging that the analysis be conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory in the Union Territory of Chandigarh rather than in Punjab.
The Bench did not issue any direction on the forensic request and kept the petitions pending for the next hearing, just six days ahead of the rural local body polls.
