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Judgment
Heard Sri K. Shahin, learned counsel representing Sri Papudippu Sashidar Reddy, learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Government Pleader for Panchayat Raj and for General Administration and learned Government Pleader for Home and Sri N. Ashwani Kumar, learned Standing Counsel for the respondent No.2.
The grievance of the petitioner in the instant Writ Petition is against the inaction of the respondents in providing 1 + 1 gunman police protection for canvassing and participating in the election for the post of Ward Member in Ward No.16 of Kadapa Municipal Corporation until completion of the election process.
In the said regard, the petitioner has filed representation dated 26-10-2026 to the respondent No.2. A copy of the same has also been sent to the respondent Nos.4 & 5. As no orders have been passed on the said representation, the petitioner has filed the instant Writ Petition.
Learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondent No.7 has placed before the Court a copy of instructions received by her in the case. A perusal of the same would reflect that the petitioner submitted a representation dated 26-10-2026 seeking 1+1 gunman protection. However, as the provision of individual armed security to a contesting candidate is not an automatic or absolute entitlement. It is contended that such a protection is required to be considered objectively by the competent police authorities in accordance with the applicable Government Orders, police standing instructions and the directions of the State Election Commission. The willingness of the petitioner to bear the expenditure cannot, by itself, be the sole ground for deployment of armed police personnel in the absence of an established threat perception. It is further submitted that adequate police arrangements have already been made in and around Ward/Division No. 16 to maintain peace and ensure the safety of all candidates and the general public. Regular mobile patrolling, Blue Colts, sector police beats and striking forces etc., are deployed to prevent any untoward incident and to respond promptly to any law-and-order situation. It is stated that the area is presently peaceful, and the petitioner is at liberty to continue his election campaign without hindrance.
Considered the submissions
Without going into the merits of the issue, as the petitioner’s representation is pending for consideration before the State Election Commission – respondent No.2, this Court deems it appropriate to dispose of the Writ Petition directing the respondent No.2 to pass appropriate orders on the representation dated 26-10-2026 filed by the petitioner forthwith.
With the above observation, the Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
As a sequel, all pending miscellaneous applications shall stand closed.