Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: Chief Electoral Officer of the State has informed the Court that due to prevailing law and order situation in Kashmir valley, the Election Commission of India has rescinded by-election for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency.
Replying to the contention of writ petition filed by one Gh Mohammad Wani of Pulwama seeking holding of by-election for the Anantnag Parliamentary seat as early as possible, the Chief Electoral Officer, in his reply, submitted that ECI in exercise of its powers under Article 324 of Constitution rescinded by-elections due to law and order situation.
High Court had issued notice to Election Commission of India and other concerned authorities in a writ petition of Wani who sought direction for holding by-elections for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency as he was one of the candidates from All J&K Kissan Mazdoor Party for contesting the election.
The CEO submitted that prevailing law & order situation compelled the Commission to rescind the by-elections for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 1.
He further submitted that the Commission (ECI) after assessing the ground realities was of the view that the situation in the State is not conducive for holding participatory elections.
The Commissioner in this regard consulted the Central Government explaining the difficulties in holding the by-election for the said constituency within a specified period.
The matter is likely to be heard by the court during this week and reply of CEO as well as the contentions of petitioner raised in the petition will be considered by the court.
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