The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday directed the Punjab State Election Commission (SEC) to expedite its inquiry into the controversial audio clip released by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The clip purportedly features Patiala SSP Varun Sharma instructing subordinates to prevent opposition candidates from filing nomination papers for the 14 December zila parishad and block samiti elections.
The bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, while hearing two public interest litigations filed by Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and SAD leader Daljeet Singh Cheema, gave the SEC time till Wednesday to submit its updated status report. The matter has been deferred accordingly.
“Pull up your socks and hasten the inquiry,” the bench told the commission.
PILs seek action, extension of nomination deadline
Bajwa, who approached the court last week, has demanded an extension of the deadline for filing nomination papers—originally 4 December—amid allegations that opposition candidates were obstructed or prevented from submitting documents. He has also sought firm action regarding the audio clip that triggered statewide political uproar.
SAD leader Daljeet Singh Cheema, in his petition, accused the AAP government of misusing police machinery to influence the electoral process. He sought an independent probe into the allegations.
State’s and police’s response
While the Punjab government opposed the maintainability of the PILs, the SEC informed the court that an ADGP-rank officer is currently investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, the Patiala police have dismissed the audio clip as “fake” and AI-generated, claiming it has been circulated with malicious intent. A case has been registered against unknown individuals under the Information Technology Act for alleged fabrication and dissemination.
Complaints during nomination process
The last date for filing nominations on 4 December was marred by multiple complaints—including allegations of snatching nomination papers—in Patiala and other districts.
Elections for 22 zila parishads and 153 block samitis are scheduled for 14 December, with counting on 17 December.
Political tension ahead of rural polls
With the rural local body elections only days away, the controversy has sharpened political divisions. The Opposition has intensified its demand for transparency and equal opportunity for candidates across party lines, while the ruling AAP government maintains that allegations of sabotage are politically motivated.
The high court’s directive to accelerate the probe adds urgency to a politically sensitive issue that continues to dominate discourse in Punjab’s run-up to the polls.