New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) to decide, by Thursday, on the plea of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) seeking an extension of the deadline for filing nominations in the elections to Urban Local Bodies, wherever it finds that candidates could not file their papers because of the law and order situation. The principal Opposition party in the State had moved the apex court after the High Court declined to direct an extension of the nomination deadline.
The bench asked the SEC to examine the representations filed by the YSRCP and its candidates, along with documentary and electronic evidence, including video clips, and to take a decision by October 22, 2026.
Where an extension is granted, the Court said, candidates must get at least 48 hours from the publication of the decision to file their nominations, and the election notification must be amended accordingly.
The Court also directed the Commission to postpone the publication of the final list of contesting candidates until October 25, 2026.
The bench directed the Director General of Police to ensure adequate police bandobast, CCTV coverage and protection at nomination centres for candidates coming forward to file their papers. A compliance report has to be submitted.
The SEC and the State government have been asked to file compliance affidavits and report to the Court on the steps taken and take necessary decisions and issue appropriate orders to address the apprehensions of the petitioner and other stakeholders and ensure that all eligible candidates have a free and fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
The SEC shall submit its report to the Supreme Court. The matter will be listed again on October 26, 2026.
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