The Telangana High Court has directed the Chief Electoral Officer to prevent the distribution of liquor during the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in the state. Liquor is known to influence voters, so the court wants to ensure a fair voting process.
The court made it clear that it cannot instruct the Election Commission of India to transfer Excise Department Officials to different locations. This decision came after a PIL was filed by a retired government employee who was unhappy with the ECI’s decision to exempt Excise Department officials from being transferred.
The petitioner argued that these officials have a close relationship with voters in their current area, and should be moved to prevent any bias. However, the ECI stated that Excise Department officials play a crucial role during elections, and need to stay in their current positions.
The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that officials from other departments, such as Police and Revenue, are transferred as per ECI guidelines, but Excise Department officials are not. The court ultimately ruled that the ECI has the authority to make decisions regarding department transfers during elections, and the court cannot interfere in these matters.
