Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Punjab Government, represented by the Learned Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, has strongly opposed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court concerning the ongoing Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis elections in Patiala district. The petition relies on an alleged audio recording of a conference call, which went viral.The State has raised fundamental objections regarding the petition's maintainability in constitutional courts.
Appearing before the Hon’ble High Court, the Learned Advocate General, relying on established Supreme Court precedents, submitted that PILs in election-related matters are not maintainable. He contended that such petitions, often driven by political motivations, should not be entertained by constitutional courts.
The State's opposition was further reinforced when it was pointed out that the petitioners' reliance on a purported representation to the Election authorities was undermined by the fact that the said representation was issued on the official letterhead of political parties. This, the State argued, clearly indicates the partisan nature of the petition and further weakens its maintainability as a genuine PIL.
Taking note of the State’s submissions, the Hon’ble High Court has sought a detailed explanation from the petitioners to clarify how the petition is maintainable in light of these legal objections. The matter is now listed for further hearing on Monday.