Tirupati MP Writes to CJI Over Alleged Electoral Malpractices in Deputy Mayor Election
He urged the Chief Justice to initiate an independent judicial inquiry on election offences and abduction.
Tirupati: Tirupati member of Parliament Dr Maddila Gurumurthy has written to Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, highlighting alleged human rights violations and electoral malpractices during the recent Tirupati Municipal Corporation deputy mayor election.
In his letter, the MP expressed concern over the intimidation of Scheduled Caste (SC) representatives, alleging that several elected officials were abducted, confined and threatened to prevent them from participating in the election held on February 3.
Gurumurthy described these actions as a violation of democratic rights, citing that the abduction and confinement of SC representatives breached constitutional provisions, including Articles 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(d), which protect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement. He further referred to Article 19(1)(g), arguing that the corporators’ ability to perform their duties was obstructed.
He recounted an incident that occurred on an election day when a bus carrying SC corporators was allegedly attacked near the polling centre. “The attackers allegedly broke into the bus, causing fear, and abducted four corporators,” he said, arguing that this violated Article 21 (right to life and liberty) and Article 326 (right to vote).
The MP also criticised the inaction of law enforcement agencies despite directives from the Andhra Pradesh High Court to ensure a free and fair election. He accused the state of failing to uphold constitutional mandates and maintain law and order, leading to a breakdown in governance.
He urged the Chief Justice to initiate an independent judicial inquiry on election offences and abduction.
