SC gives nod for counting of votes in UP panchayat polls

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 1

The Supreme Court on Saturday gave its nod for counting of votes in the gram panchayat polls in Uttar Pradesh scheduled for Sunday, subject to strict compliance of Covid protocols.

A Bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar - which held a special hearing on Saturday - rejected petitions seeking to stay the counting of votes.

Petitioners had cited Covif pandemic and the death of nearly 700 teachers involved in panchayat poll process.

The top court had on Friday issued notices to the UP government and the State Election Commission on petitions challenging an Allahabad High Court order that allowed the gram panchayat election process to continue in the state amidst the rising Covid cases.

The Bench allowed counting of votes based on "solemn assurances" given by the State Election Commission that sufficient measures had been taken for adherence to Covid protocols at counting centres.