Punjab Local Body Polls Dec 14: HC Steps In Amid Fair Election Row

• Punjab Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls are scheduled for December 14.
• Polling will run from 8 am to 4 pm using ballot papers, with vote counting on December 17.
• Over 1.36 crore voters are eligible across 19,000+ booths for 347 Zila Parishad and 2,838 Panchayat Samiti zones.
• The elections are marked by controversy, including opposition allegations of AAP misusing machinery to obstruct nominations.
• An alleged audio clip involving a Patiala SSP and subsequent High Court intervention raised concerns about fairness, leading to the SSP's leave.

Why It Matters: Allegations of police interference threaten fair elections and public trust in Punjab.