In the latest shock to the ruling YSRCP of Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court has rejected the petition filed by the AP government challenging the postponement of the local body elections in the state.
A constitution bench headed by the Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde after hearing the case made it clear that it cannot issue orders to continue the polls as the novel coronavirus is fast spreading in the state.
The bench added that as the polls cannot be commenced as per the old schedule and directed the Election Commission to lift the existing election code until further information.
Earlier, the Election Commission has announced that the local body polls will be postponed in the wake of the novel coronavirus. This development did not go well with the ruling party and they have moved the High Court as well as the Supreme Court to get a stay on this.
"The elections are being conducted in accordance with the directions of the High Court. At least the State Election Commissioner has postponed these without informing the government", AP government claimed in its petition.
A constitution bench headed by the Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde after hearing the case made it clear that it cannot issue orders to continue the polls as the novel coronavirus is fast spreading in the state.
The bench added that as the polls cannot be commenced as per the old schedule and directed the Election Commission to lift the existing election code until further information.
Earlier, the Election Commission has announced that the local body polls will be postponed in the wake of the novel coronavirus. This development did not go well with the ruling party and they have moved the High Court as well as the Supreme Court to get a stay on this.
"The elections are being conducted in accordance with the directions of the High Court. At least the State Election Commissioner has postponed these without informing the government", AP government claimed in its petition.