SHALINI M. Vs. STATE ELECTION COMMISSION AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This batch of Writ Petitions raise essentially common, questions. Petitioners are candidates in the forthcoming elections to the Local Bodies scheduled to be held on 23.10.2010 and 25.10.2010.

(2.) Petitioners have approached this Court apprehending that the elections to the Local Bodies will not be conducted in a free and fair manner. Various types of allegations have been raised. In some of the Writ Petitions, allegations are fairly general. In some other Writ Petitions, allegations are more specific. The allegations in many cases are to the effect that the polling stations are sensitive. The reliefs which have been sought in these Writ Petitions essentially are to grant police protection to the candidates, to their agents and also for the voters, so that the election is held in a free and fair manner. In many of the Writ Petitions, there is a prayer that the Election Commission Officials may be directed to videograph the electoral process in their polling stations.

(3.) A statement has been filed on behalf of the State Election Commission. Therein it is inter alia stated as follows: