Date: July 31, 2025
Case Title: Paddy Co-Operative Society Elections – Telangana Government (Case No. 2353-2354/2025)
The Telangana High Court has delivered a significant judgment in a case involving allegations of political interference in the elections of the Firayadupalu (complainants) within the Paddy Co-operative Society. The court was hearing petitions filed by 10 Congress-aligned candidates who alleged unfair disqualification by state officials.
Key Findings:
- The court held that the State Election Commission’s actions were arbitrary and influenced by political bias, violating the principles of free and fair elections as guaranteed by Article 243-O of the Constitution.
- It cited precedents including the 1985 Supreme Court judgment regarding the 52nd Constitutional Amendment and the 2020 ruling in the Madhusudan Singh case.
- The court emphasized that the independence of tribunals must be maintained and found the disqualification of candidates without valid reason as unconstitutional.
Constitutional Relevance:
- The case touches upon Articles 243-O and 243-ZG, which stress judicial review in matters of panchayat and cooperative society elections.
- The ruling reinforces the need for independent tribunals and curbs on executive interference in cooperative elections.
Outcome:
- The court directed the State Government to reinstate the disqualified candidates and to conduct fresh elections in accordance with constitutional principles.
- It also called for the establishment of a special election tribunal for cooperative societies to avoid similar disputes in the future.
This landmark judgment strengthens constitutional governance in cooperative institutions and sets a precedent for curbing arbitrary political decisions in local elections.
