CWP No.9336 of 2010 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP No.9336 of 2010 Date of decision : 08-07-2010 Abdul Latif, Municipal Councillor and others .... Petitioners VERSUS State of Punjab and others ....Respondents CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA Present: Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Advocate, for Mr. S.S. Salar, Advocate, for the petitioners. Ms. Ambika Luthra, AAG, Punjab. Mr. A.P.S. Mann, Advocate, for respondent no.3. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Malik, Advocate, for respondent no.4. KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA, J. (Oral) In the present writ petition, four Municipal Councillors, Municipal Council, Malerkotla have prayed that a writ in the nature of mandamus be issued directing the respondents – State of Punjab and Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur to hold election of Vice President of the Municipal Council, Malterkotla. Case of the petitioners is that term of office of Vice President, Municipal Council, Malerkotla expired on 12.10.2009. Thereafter, on one pretext or the other, election has not been held. Sh. A.P.S. Mann, Advocate appearing for respondent no.3 – Municipal Council, Malerkotla has placed on record a communication in vernacular wherein it has been stated that election to the office of CWP No.9336 of 2010 -2- Vice President, Municipal Council, Malerkotla is scheduled to be held on 21.07.2010 at 11 PM. Without commenting on the past conduct of the respondents, a direction is issued to Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur to ensure that election is positively held on the date fixed i.e.21.07.2010. This Court expresses its dismay that for election of the democratic institutions, Municipal Councillors have to approach this Court and the election which is due in September 2009 has not held till today. It is mandatory that concerned officials ensure adherence to democratic values at the grass root level. In view of the statement made by counsel for respondent No.3, no explanation of the erring official is called for. The writ petition is, accordingly, disposed of. (KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA) 08-07-2010 JUDGE manju