Gopalakrishnan vs Station House Officer

Basant Balaji, J

This petition is filed by the members of Pothundi Ksheelolpadhana Sahakarana Sangham, who are contesting in the election to the Board of Directors of the society. The State Co-operative Election Commission had issued notification No.E(1)/ 5920/2023/S.C.E.C dated 25/09/2023 to conduct an election to the Board of Directors on 7.11.2023 at the office of the society from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

The case of the petitioners is that, the election of the Bank is conducted on political affiliation. On the date of submission of the nomination and scrutiny of nomination papers, a group of people attempted to disrupt the proceedings and caused law and order situation by trying to manhandle the candidates by shouting obscene words. The candidates, including the petitioners, are receiving threats and intimidation with dire consequences.

In view of certain criminal incidents happened in the previous elections, the petitioners requested the 2nd respondent to afford police protection for the peaceful conduct of the election. But no action was taken by the authorities. Therefore, they seek a writ or direction directing respondents 1 to 3 to provide effective and meaningful protection for the peaceful conduct of the election.

The Government pleader submits that proper steps are being taken to deploy sufficient police to see that the election is being conducted in a peaceful manner.

Taking into consideration the submission made by the learned Government Pleader, there will be a direction to the respondents to provide effective and meaningful protection for the peaceful conduct of the election to be held on 7.11.2023 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm to elect the Managing Committee of the Pothundi Ksheelolpadhana Sahakarana Sangham, till the election process is completed. The petitioner can move the 5th respondent with an application for videography, and if such petition is filed the 5th respondent shall allow Videography at the expense of the petitioner under the strict supervision of the 5th respondent without interfering with the secrecy of the voting.

The writ petition is disposed of.