Kerala High Court Mandates Measures for Peaceful 2025 Local Body Elections

Court Orders Live Webcasting, Additional Police Deployment, and Video-graphy to Ensure Free and Fair Elections in Kerala

In a significant move to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process, the Kerala High Court, under the stewardship of Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, has issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2025 General Elections to local bodies in Kerala. Addressing a slew of petitions expressing concerns over potential law and order issues during the election period, the court emphasized the need for a peaceful electoral environment.

The court’s decision comes in response to apprehensions raised by multiple petitioners regarding possible disturbances in polling areas, particularly in historically sensitive regions such as Kannur District. Highlighting the essence of democracy, Justice Kunhikrishnan remarked that the election day should be a celebration of peace rather than a battlefield.

To counter potential disruptions, the court has mandated several precautionary measures. These include the implementation of live webcasting and the deployment of additional police forces in polling booths identified as sensitive or hyper-sensitive by the State Election Commission. The court further allowed for video-graphy at the expense of contesting candidates in booths where there are fears of malpractice.

The State Police Chief has assured the court that comprehensive arrangements are in place to ensure election security across the state. In Kannur, for instance, 132 hyper-sensitive booths have been identified, with plans for live webcasting and additional police presence. Similarly, 470 sensitive booths will be under surveillance, with one additional officer allocated to each booth.

The court also addressed the concerns of candidates and their agents, who fear physical assaults from rival parties. It directed that applications for police protection be submitted to the respective District Police Chiefs, who are to ensure the safety of all involved in the election process.

Justice Kunhikrishnan also urged the public of Kannur and the state’s police forces to work collectively to shed the district’s reputation for political violence, encouraging them to demonstrate that Kannur can host a free and fair election.

The judgment, which aligns with the principles outlined in the case of Hussain Vengad v. State of Kerala, serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring that elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the true will of the people.

Bottom Line:

Election law - Directions issued to ensure free and fair conduct of General Election - 2025 to local bodies in Kerala - Adequate measures like live webcasting, deployment of additional police force in sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths, and provision for video-graphy at the expense of contesting candidates were mandated.

Statutory provision(s): Kerala Panchayat Raj (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1995, Kerala Panchayat Raj (Conduct of Election) Amendment Rules, 2012

V.R. Sudheer v. State of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2818827