In a significant development amid the ongoing nomination process for Tripura's urban local body elections, the Tripura High Court has directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to provide adequate security to Left Front candidates allegedly facing difficulties in filing their nomination papers in certain areas of the state.

The order came after the CPI(M) approached the High Court, alleging that its candidates were being prevented from submitting nominations in Mohanpur and four other subdivisions due to an atmosphere of intimidation and inadequate security arrangements. The party contended that several prospective candidates were unable to safely reach nomination centres and exercise their electoral rights.

Hearing Writ Petition No. 812/2024, Justice Sabyasachi Datta Purkayastha instructed the DGP to take immediate measures to ensure that the affected candidates are able to submit their nomination papers under proper police protection within the stipulated timeframe. The court asked the police administration to facilitate a secure environment for the completion of the nomination process by Friday.

The court observed that participation in elections is a fundamental component of the democratic process and that eligible candidates must be provided the opportunity to contest elections without fear, obstruction or hindrance. Ensuring a safe atmosphere during the nomination period, the court indicated, is an essential responsibility of the state machinery.

Senior advocate Tapas Datta Majumdar, appearing on behalf of the CPI(M), argued that the absence of adequate security had adversely affected the ability of some Left Front candidates to file nominations in several municipal and urban local body constituencies.

The High Court's intervention comes at a politically sensitive moment, with allegations and counter-allegations intensifying over the conduct of the nomination process ahead of the civic polls. Opposition parties have repeatedly claimed that candidates and supporters in certain areas faced intimidation during nomination filing, while the administration has maintained that necessary arrangements have been made.

Against this backdrop, the court's directive is being viewed as a significant development in the run-up to the elections. The order places responsibility on the state police leadership to ensure that all candidates are able to participate in the electoral process freely and without obstruction.