Gauhati High Court halts APC election, orders time stipulation for poll

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Disposing of a writ petition filed by the Assam Registered Pharmacists' Union (ARPU), the Gauhati HC on Wednesday ordered the postponement of the election process for the members of the Assam Pharmacy Council (APC), which was scheduled to be held on April 27, 28, and 29. But the election process should be completed, preferably within the next 45 days.

"This Court is of the opinion that the writ petition deserves to be allowed by directing that while there will be no bar for holding the elections in accordance with law by ensuring that the voters are constituted only of the genuine licence holders, the mode has to be strictly in accordance with Rule 8 (2) of the Rule 1959 and the other statutory prescription. Since the Rule contemplates a particular method that has not been followed, the elections may be deferred and held expeditiously, preferably within a period of 45 days from today, in accordance with the Rule," mentioned Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi.

ARPU had filed a petition in the Gauhati High Court citing grievances against the notification for the election of six members of the Assam Pharmacy Council published on February 10. The first grievance mentioned that around 3000 fake or illegal pharmacists are there, out of which 1810 licences have been cancelled and action against 1190 more is pending. And that the elections are conducted after the process is complete. Secondly, the constitution of the organization mentioned how the elections were to take place, and the instant elections on an online basis were not a prescribed format.

The online voting process started on the morning of April 27 as per the schedule and stopped at around 12 p.m. after the order copy was received by the authorities.

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