PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT DIRECTED THE ELECTION COMMISSIONER, PUNJAB TO TAKE DECISION ON PETITIONER’S REQUEST SEEKING IMPLEMENTATION OF OPTIONAL ONLINE NOMINATION FILING SYSTEM IN ALL FUTURE ELECTIONS OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND PANCHYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS WITHIN 60 DAYS A Public Interest Litigation (CWP-PIL-24-2026) was filed before the Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court seeking directions to the Punjab State Election Commission to implement an optional online nomination filing system for all future elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in Punjab in a time-bound manner. The petition was filed by Petitioner in Person Advocate Nikhil Thamman, practicing at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, purely in public interest and without any personal, political or pecuniary interest. The petitioner in person Advocate Nikhil Thamman was specifically filed this PIL to curb the recurring fights, clashes, violence and chaotic situations that frequently took place during the filing of nomination papers in local body elections across Punjab. It was pointed out that during almost every election of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zila Parishads, Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils, videos surface and go viral on social media showing nomination papers being torn, candidates being chased, groups of persons running after each other to snatch nomination documents, and open scuffles outside offices designated for filing nominations. Such incidents create an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness at the very threshold of the democratic process. The petition also referred to earlier judicial proceedings in a matter relating to local body elections (CWP-PIL-358-2025 and connected cases), wherein serious allegations were raised regarding obstruction of candidates during the nomination stage. In that case, allegations were made concerning the involvement of the then SSP, Patiala, and an audio recording allegedly containing directions to restrain and prevent certain candidates from reaching nomination centres had come into circulation. The issue was brought before the Hon’ble High Court and was subject matter of judicial proceedings, further highlighting concerns regarding intimidation, misuse of police machinery and lack of neutrality during the nomination process. Advocate Nikhil Thamman (social worker and RTI activist) contended in the present petition that the continued insistence on a purely physical nomination system, despite repeated incidents of violence, tearing of nomination papers, physical obstruction and viral videos showing chaos at nomination centres, undermines the constitutional mandate of free and fair elections under Articles 14, 19, 21, 243-K and 243-ZA of the Constitution of India. Petitioner in Person Advocate Nikhil Thamman also emphasized that the right to contest elections should not depend upon physical strength, political backing or the ability to withstand intimidation at government offices. The petitioner in person Advocate Nikhil Thamman sought implementation of an optional online nomination filing system, similar to the “Suvidha” platform adopted by the Election Commission of India for Parliamentary and Assembly elections. It was submitted that such a system would significantly reduce physical interface, minimize the possibility of clashes and manhandling, prevent tearing or snatching of nomination papers, and ensure equal and safe access to the nomination process for all eligible candidates. The matter was heard by the Division Bench comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjiv Berry. Vide order dated 06.02.2026, the Hon’ble High Court disposed of the petition by directing the Punjab State Election Commission to consider and decide the representation dated 14.12.2025 submitted by Petitioner in Person Advocate Nikhil Thamman, by passing a speaking order within 60 days. The Commission has also been directed to communicate its decision to Petitioner in Person Advocate Nikhil Thamman. The PIL/petition categorically highlights the urgent need for systemic reform to prevent fights, tearing of nomination papers and violent confrontations during the nomination stage of elections, and seeks introduction of a technology-driven, optional online mechanism to ensure that democratic participation at the grassroots level remains peaceful, fair and intimidation-free.