Noting that the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission (TNSEC) cannot be allowed to “make a mockery” of the judiciary, the First Bench of the Madras High Court has warned the Commission that it risks facing contempt if it fails to conduct the local body polls by May 14, as directed by the court.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh and Justice R.M.T. Teeka Raman made the observation on Monday when the TNSEC sought extension of time to conduct the election. The court then adjourned the case by a week for further hearing.
Through a counter affidavit, the TNSEC submitted that although it had already commenced the election process, it would not be practically possible to hold the polls by May 14, as the State government was yet to comply with certain aspects of the court directions.
The Commission also submitted that extension of time was required for demarcating and assigning data of 5.92 crore voters to their specific wards in the respective Panchayats/Municipalities/Corporations and completing the correlation statement between the Assembly Electoral Roll and the Local Body Electoral Roll.
However, refusing to grant any further extension, the Bench insisted that TNSEC adhere to the directions of the court within the deadline.
