Punjab CEO Office Objects to State SC Panel Summoning Tarn Taran District Election Officer

The Punjab Chief Electoral Office has formally objected to the State Scheduled Caste Commission's decision to summon the Tarn Taran district election officer, citing concerns over interference in the upcoming assembly bypoll. This follows derogatory remarks made by Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

The Punjab Chief Electoral Office has raised concerns with the State Scheduled Caste Commission regarding the summoning of Tarn Taran's district election officer and returning officer. This action is linked to remarks made by state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring about former union minister Buta Singh. The office argues that such summons could disrupt the upcoming Tarn Taran assembly bypoll scheduled for November 11.

Warring has faced backlash from political opponents for his alleged casteist comments during a campaign event for the Congress candidate in Tarn Taran. In response to the criticism, Warring clarified on Monday that he held Buta Singh in high regard, considering him a father figure, and intended no disrespect towards him or anyone else.

Electoral Office Cites Constitutional Provisions

The Punjab Chief Electoral Office, in its letter to the chairman of the Punjab State SC Commission, referenced Article 324 of the Constitution. This article assigns the Election Commission of India the authority over elections to Parliament and State Legislatures. The letter emphasized that summoning these officers could interfere with their election duties.

According to section 113 CC of the Representation of People Act, 1950, and section 28-A of the Representation of People Act, 1951, officers involved in electoral processes are considered on deputation to the Election Commission. They are under its control and discipline, which underscores why their summoning is problematic during election periods.

Concerns Over Election Interference

The commission had initially summoned the district election officer for a November 6 appearance after finding their report on Warring's remarks unsatisfactory. The returning officer had also been summoned earlier for the same issue. The electoral office stressed that calling these officers during this critical period could lead to undue influence on the election process.

The Tarn Taran assembly seat became vacant following Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal's death in June. With polling set for November 11, 2025, any disruption in election duties could impact the bypoll's integrity. The electoral office has requested that the commission withdraw its summons to ensure smooth election conduct.

The letter from the electoral office urged the commission to retract its summons and inform them accordingly. It highlighted that both the returning officer and district election officer are crucial to managing election-related activities in Tarn Taran during this period.

With inputs from PTI