Justice Nirmaljit Kaur: An Advocate for Election Fairness

The Supreme Court has appointed former Judge Nirmaljit Kaur to investigate grievances from candidates excluded from the 2024 civic body polls. The appointment aims to address disputes and ensure smooth municipal functioning. Claims are limited to those who approached the courts, with comprehensive guidelines set for the investigation.

The Supreme Court has assigned former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, Nirmaljit Kaur, to address and investigate complaints by candidates excluded from contesting the 2024 civic body elections. This initiative follows a series of disputes linked to these polls, aiming to mitigate uncertainties hampering municipal bodies' functions.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh emphasized the non-precedential nature of this appointment, while allowing a fact-finding commission exclusive to sub-judice constituencies. Parties involved consented to this temporary deviation from established procedures, facilitating a specialized inquiry into the grievances presented.

Compensation and facilities for Justice Kaur have been arranged, including an honorarium and support staff. This move is in response to claims from various national party members alleging undue hinderance by political adversaries during the nomination process for election candidatures, demanding a thorough examination of their allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)