Tirupati MP Seeks Justice Over Election Irregularities, Appeals to CJI Sanjiv Khanna

In a bold move, Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy, the Member of Parliament for Tirupati, has reached out to Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, highlighting grave concerns about election irregularities during the recent Tirupati Municipal Corporation deputy mayor election.

The February 3 election has come under scrutiny after Gurumurthy raised alarm over alleged human rights violations, threats, and abductions that severely impacted the democratic rights of Scheduled Caste (SC) representatives.

According to Dr. Gurumurthy’s letter, several SC representatives were subjected to coercion, with some even being abducted or confined in an effort to prevent them from participating in the election process.

The MP’s detailed account paints a disturbing picture where these representatives were not only threatened but also unable to exercise their fundamental rights to vote and stand for election. This, Gurumurthy argues, is a blatant violation of the Constitution’s guarantees.

Rights at Stake

Gurumurthy’s appeal references multiple constitutional violations, including:
● Article 19(1)(b): The right to assemble peacefully.
● Article 19(1)(d): The freedom to move freely across the country.
● Article 19(1)(g): The right to practice any profession or occupation.
● Article 21: The right to life and personal liberty.
● Article 326: The right to vote in elections.

He argues that the systematic interference with SC corporators’ ability to participate in the election process constitutes an outright violation of these rights. His letter provides specific details of a harrowing incident on election day, where a bus carrying SC corporators was allegedly attacked near a polling station. The attackers reportedly broke into the bus, abducted four corporators, and left the others in a state of fear and confusion, further depriving them of their ability to vote freely.

Law Enforcement’s Inaction

Dr. Gurumurthy also expresses deep concern over the apparent failure of law enforcement to intervene in the face of such serious allegations. Despite clear instructions from the Andhra Pradesh High Court to ensure a fair election process, authorities reportedly did little to prevent these egregious acts.

Gurumurthy highlights what he perceives as a breakdown in governance, where the state government failed to safeguard public order and the sanctity of the electoral process.

In his letter, the MP calls for immediate action, urging CJI Khanna to order an independent judicial inquiry into these alleged irregularities, particularly the abduction and intimidation of SC representatives. He emphasizes the urgent need to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that such injustices are never repeated in future elections.

A Call for Justice

The demand for a judicial inquiry stems not just from political concerns but from a desire to protect the basic democratic rights of every individual involved in the election process. Gurumurthy’s letter reflects a broader call for justice, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic norms, human rights, and the rule of law.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on the Chief Justice’s office to see whether this case will set a precedent for addressing electoral malpractices in India. The stakes are high, not only for the affected representatives but for the future of electoral integrity in the country.

This unfolding issue also raises pertinent questions about the role of law enforcement during elections and the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens’ rights, ensuring free and fair participation in the democratic process. In a time when the security and fairness of elections are paramount, incidents like these remind us of the ongoing need for vigilance and reform.

About Author

Kusha Mehta is a law student at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, with a background in economics. She has experience in legal research, writing, and analysis, with internships at NyayaSarthak and the International Institute of SDGs & Public Policy Research. Passionate about advocacy and policy, she has also completed certifications from Harvard University.