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Judgment
Heard Sri Papudippu Sashidar Reddy, learned counsel for the petitioner; learned Assistant Government Pleader for Home, appearing for respondent Nos.1, 4 and 6; and Sri N. Ashwini Kumar, learned Standing Counsel for the State Election Commission, appearing for respondent No.2.
Challenging the inaction of the respondents in considering the representation of the petitioner dated 31.10.2026 and taking appropriate measures pursuant to the said representation in respect of the elections scheduled to the ZPTC, Peddamandyam, Rayachoty Constituency, Annamayya District, to be held on 05.11.2026, the instant Writ Petition has been filed.
When the matter has been taken up for hearing, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for respondent No.2, has placed before the Court a copy of the letter received by him in the case. A perusal of the same would reflect that the A.P. State Election Commission has issued a Circular indicating that, during the period of forty- eight hours prior to the hour fixed for conclusion of poll, no campaign shall take place and after closure of campaign period, no campaign can take place within the Mandal going for polls, supporters brought from outside including political functionaries, workers, etc., who are not voters of that Mandal should not continue to remain present in the Mandal as their continued presence after the campaign, may undermine the atmosphere for free and fair poll.
It is further stated that the Superintendent of Police, Annamayya, is specifically requested to verify the non-voters of the MPTC/ZPTC segments and keep them away from the polling area during the time of the poll.
In view of the same, the District Election Authorities were requested to take immediate necessary action in accordance with the earlier instructions of the Commission dated 27.03.2026 and that an action taken report be submitted immediately.
The learned Standing Counsel further submits that the State Election Commission has also issued a Circular dated 01.11.2026, instructing all the officers concerned to ensure strict compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court to ensure that the poll process is conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner, without giving scope for any complaints.
Having regard to the contentions advanced and having regard to the Circular dated 01.11.2026 issued by the State Election Commission, this Court deems it appropriate to dispose of the Writ Petition, directing the respondents to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, and fair manner. It is also incumbent to ensure that law enforcement and maintenance of public order shall remain in tandem by taking all necessary precautionary and preventive measures, in accordance with law, and the directions issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in SLP (C) No.37476 of 2026, dated 27.10.2026.
With the above observations, the Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
As a sequel, miscellaneous applications pending, if any, shall also stand closed.