STATE OF PUNJAB & ORS. vs BHAJAN SINGH & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the Principal Secretary of the Local Government Department violated statutory provisions under Section 24 of the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911 by failing to issue a notification for the election of the President of the Municipal Council, thereby undermining democratic values. The Court emphasized that free and fair elections are essential for democracy and that no civil servant can obstruct the will of the people expressed through elections. The Court directed the State Government to issue the necessary notification for the respondent's election as President, thereby upholding the rule of law.