Andhra Pradesh High Court Directs Officials To Follow SEC Guidelines For Panchayat Nominations

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently heard two petitions filed by YSRCP leaders regarding the relocation of nomination centers for upcoming panchayat elections. The petitioners alleged that MPDOs were unilaterally shifting centers away from designated village offices to other locations. Specifically, concerns were raised about moving centers from Machanuru village in Kadapa district to Mailakalva, and shifting the Rayachoti mandal center in Annamayya district. The petitioners argued these changes were made without proper justification or adherence to established protocols for the election process. Justice Mandava Kiranmayi directed returning officers to strictly follow the <b>SEC handbook guidelines</b> while establishing nomination centers. The court emphasized that all officials must ensure <b>transparency and compliance</b> with the state election commission's rules to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.