Shiromani Akali Dal has urged the State Election Commission to enforce strong measures to ensure free and fair elections in Punjab. The party cited recent directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which addressed concerns over alleged misuse of Punjab Police during the election process.
Chief spokesperson Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kaler briefed the media in Chandigarh. He said the High Court accepted the issues raised in the public interest petition filed by former minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema. He added that the court clearly noted the need for neutral policing and asked the SEC to issue firm instructions to all SHOs and officers to avoid acting for any political party.
Kaler said the court also directed the Punjab Government and the SEC to hand over the controversial viral audio clip involving Patiala Police to an external and neutral investigation agency. He added that the SEC failed to act when the audio surfaced, and the court highlighted that lapse.
He said the Punjab Government tried to argue that such petitions should not be allowed during the election process, but the court rejected that claim. Kaler stated that the ADGP SPS Parmar probe now holds little value and should end. He expressed hope that the SEC will now ensure transparent block samiti and zila parishad elections.
