CWP/21258/2026 of SURESH KUMAR Vs STATE OF PUNJAB on 15 July 2026

1. Through this petition, the petitioners seek issuance of directions to the State to convene a meeting of the newly elected members of the Municipal Council, Fazilka so that oath of allegiance can be administered to them as also elections to the post of President and Vice-President(s) can be held.

2. At the outset, learned State counsel submits that the meeting, as above, shall be convened within 07 days from today; the entire meeting and the venue from the outside, from all possible angles, shall be got videographed, which videography shall include the process of voting by the members by raising of hands; the CCTV/videographed material, along with copies of the written proceedings of the meeting, in original, shall be preserved under the care and custody of Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka for a period of 03 months; adequate security, if so required, shall also be made available where the afore meeting/elections are going to take place and that to ensure fairness in the

Chandigarh conduct of the afore meeting, the State has also no objection to the appointment of an independent Observer.

3. We hold that the State shall remain bound by the afore statement made before us.

4. Further, Mr. Ranvijay Singh, Advocate is appointed as an Observer who shall remain present throughout the proceedings of the meeting to be convened for administering oath of allegiance to the newly elected members of Municipal Council, Fazilka and also to elect the President and Vice-President(s).

5. Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka is directed to inform the appointed Observer at least 48 hours before the meeting, as above, is to be convened. Such information shall be sent to the appointed Observer through e-mail, whatsapp and a letter to be served upon him through a special messenger. Details with regard to his e-mail, whatsapp and address shall be forthwith shared by Mr. Ranvijay Singh with Mr. Jastej Singh, Additional, A.G., Punjab.

6. Mr. Ranvijay Singh shall reach the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka on the date of the meeting at least 03 hours before the scheduled time after which the Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka shall ensure that the appointed Observer securely reaches the venue of the meeting well before the meeting commences.

7. After the afore meeting concludes, the Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka shall make arrangements for securely bringing back the appointed Observer from the venue of the meeting to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka.

Chandigarh

8. The Observer shall be at liberty to take photographs/video of the proceedings both inside and outside the venue.

9. The report of the Observer with photographs/video, if any, shall be submitted to this Court in a sealed cover to be kept in the safe custody of Registrar (Judicial) of this Court for a period of six months.

10. As agreed by learned counsel for the petitioners, fee in advance @ Rs. 1.25 lakhs shall be paid by the petitioners to the appointed Observer. Such payment shall include all out-of-pocket expenses which may be incurred by the appointed Observer.

11. A copy of this order be supplied to Mr. Ranvijay Singh, Advocate.

12. The petition is disposed of in the above terms.

(DEEPAK SIBAL) JUDGE (RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL) 15.07.2026 JUDGE D.Bansal Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No

Chandigarh