HC quashes village resolution on consensus candidate

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN):

Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench has quashed the resolution adopted by Mongsenyimti village in Mokokchung district endorsing NDPP candidate Tongpang Ozukum as the lone candidate from the village to contest from 24 Angetyongpang Assembly Constituency (AC) in the Assembly polls.

The order passed by Justice LS Jamir on January 31, 2023 stated, “a very disturbing fact which has come to the notice of this Court is the open indulgence in politics by the Riosanger Putu Menden of Mongsenyimti village by supporting one particular candidate and debarring other citizens of Mongsenyimti village to contest from 24-Angetyongpang Assembly constituency.”

The order said the action of the Riosanger Putu Menden of Mongsenyimti village was not permissible in law.

In this regard, the court directed deputy commissioner (DC) Mokokchung to take appropriate steps against defaulters in accordance with the law and subsequently file an action taken report within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the court order. The court was hearing a writ petition filed by S Moangkaba Ozukum, son of former legislator Sentichuba.

Mongsenyimti village had earlier excommunicated the petitioner from the village for expressing his intention to contest in the upcoming election defying the resolution made by the village.

The court said it considered the circular made by Mokokchung DC where it was stated that every citizen of India had a statutory right to participate/contest election as per his or her own free will, subject to fulfilment of requisite qualifications and that any attempt of force/coercion to subvert the free will of the citizen was violation of the rights guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution and subsequent statutes. election. Alem said this only showed how the NDPP has “denigrated to mere material, power and political considerations and devoid of democratic discussions and values”.

The circular had stated that announcement/declaration of consensus candidates by councils/organisations and issuing directives/diktats in favour of the consensus candidates and/or against other candidates/voters violated the right of the citizens to participate/vote as per their free will.

The DC had also cautioned that any attempt to influence free and fair election by any means or any attempt to interfere with the exercise of free will of the citizen/voter in election matters was an offence under sections 17IC, 339 and 340 of IPC.

It may be recalled that Alemtemshi had contested and lost two seats he contested in 2018-- 24 Angetyongpang and 25 Mongoya. Sources said Alemtemshi is going ahead with his decision to contest the forthcoming polls for Mongoya constituency and would likely join some party. The NDPP has allotted 25 Mongoya seat to new entrant Imkongmar.

NDPP also sprang a reverse surprise when T.N. Mannen retired addl. chief secretary, who had recently quit NDPP and joined BJP on January 18 was given NDPP ticket to fight

AAGBA said the GBs and public of Ato area were forced to take this step due to the slow progress of work, alleging that the work was not carried out on regular basis. It alleged that recently there had been total stoppage of the work, which it termed s utter disregard for public of more than hundred villages by the contractor.

The association said the repeated requests and appeals to the contractor had fallen on deaf ears.

No nomination filed on day-3

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN):

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer on Thursday informed that no candidate has filed nomination for the forthcoming Assembly election on the third day (February 2).

Polls: Online facilities for candidates

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): The chief electoral officer’s (CEO) office Nagaland has informed that online facilities have been available to the candidates for filing nominations, affidavits, certification, etc.

According to CEO Nagaland V Shashank Shekhar, additional option to facilitate nomination in online mode has been provided. As such, nomination form will also be available on the website of CEO/DEO, which any intending candidate may fill it online and its print may be taken for submission before the returning officer (RO) as specified in Form-1 (Rule-3 of conduct of Election Rules 1961).

Affidavit too can be filed online on the website of CEO/DEO, its print can be taken and, after notarization, may be submitted along with the nomination form before the returning officer. Candidates may also deposit security money through online mode at the designated platform. However, they will continue to have the option of depositing cash in the treasury. Candidate may also exercise the option to seek his/her elector certification for the purpose of nomination online. Further, there is also the SUVIDHA option through which candidates and political parties can file online nominations and affidavits, apply online for different permission during election campaign. Application link is provided on the official website www.ceo.nagaland.gov.in. Candidates can make online data entry of their personal details in the nomination form and affidavit (Form26), registration, data entry of personal details in the form and affidavit, selection