 "Non-adversarial tax regime ahead")
The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered a stop to upcoming local body elections in Tamil Nadu. The elections were scheduled in two phases on October 17 and 19.
Justice N Kirubakaran said the September 26 notification by the State Election Commission was not compliant with Rule 24 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayat (Election) Rules, 1995. The court directed the commission to issue a fresh notification, conduct elections and complete the process not later than December 31.
It also directed the state government to invoke the transitory provision of the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act, 1994, to administer the local bodies through special officers till elections were held.
The court ordered all candidates to file separate affidavits furnishing information in regard to five categories, including criminal background, at the time of filing nominations. It directed election officers to reject nominations of candidates who failed to file these affidavits.
There have been media reports of elected representatives to local bodies being killed because of their criminal antecedents, illegal mining operations or real estate business.
