HOSDURG PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD. Vs. THE SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, which is a Primary Agricultural Credit Bank registered under the Kerala Co- operative Societies Act , 1969, and the Rules made thereunder, has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking a writ of mandamus commanding respondents 1 to 4 to comply with the directions contained in Ext.P6 Circular No.28/2013 dated 20.11.2013 issued by the State Police Chief, for ensuring smooth conduct of election to the Managing Committee of the said Co- operative Bank, scheduled to be held on 9.12.2018 in terms of Ext.P1 election notification dated 3.11.2018 issued by the State Co-operative Election Commission. The petitioner has also sought for a direction to 5th respondent Electoral Officer and 6th respondent Returning Officer to take necessary steps to prevent bogus voting in the election to the Managing Committee of the petitioner Bank, scheduled to be held on 9.12.2018, by comparison of the identity cards of the voters with Form 6B register before issuing ballot papers to the voters; a writ of mandamus directing respondents 5 and 6 to make arrangements for video recording the entire polling process on 9.12.2018 or in the alternative, to permit the petitioner to record the polling process with the assistance of a professional videographer; and also to appoint an Advocate of this Court as observer to oversee the polling in connection with the election to the Managing Committee of the petitioner Bank, scheduled to be held on 9.12.2018.

(2.) On 4.12.2018, when this writ petition came up for admission, the learned Senior Government Pleader sought time to get instructions. Accordingly, the matter is listed today for further consideration.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and also the learned Senior Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.