The Governor’s secretariat has written to the Karnataka government urging it to ensure timely allocation of funds and manpower to the State Election Commission (SEC) for the conduct of local body elections in Bengaluru before the June 30 deadline fixed by the Supreme Court.

In a letter dated May 13, addressed to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Special Secretary to the Governor, R. Prabhu Shankar, referred to a memorandum submitted by the State Legal Cell of the Janata Dal (Secular) and a group of advocates seeking intervention to facilitate smooth conduct of elections.

SC directions

The letter noted that the Supreme Court had directed the SEC to complete the election process before June 30, and cautioned that failure to comply with the court’s directions could lead to contempt proceedings.

“It is necessary to follow the instructions of the hon’ble Supreme Court. Otherwise, it may lead to contempt of court,” the communication stated.

The Governor’s secretariat further stated that it is the responsibility of both the State Government and the SEC to make all necessary arrangements for conducting local body elections on time in order to protect democratic rights, and uphold provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment relating to urban local bodies.

The letter warned that continued delay in conducting elections could send a ‘wrong message’ to people, and may potentially affect the flow of Central grants linked to elected local governance institutions.

“It is mandatory that the State Government provide sufficient funds and manpower to the State Election Commission to enable it to conduct the elections smoothly without any problem,” the letter stated.

The Governor’s secretariat requested the Chief Secretary to take necessary steps to ensure that the SEC receives adequate financial and logistical support for holding the elections without delay.