Gujarat HC permits detained individual to caste vote in local election

Gujarat High Court has intervened as part of interim relief to ensure a detained individual could exercise his right to vote in a crucial local election.

A single judge bench passed an interim relief order in a habeas corpus plea filed by Pranav Chandrana. The petitioner argued that he was detained on May 24, 2026, just one day before the slated election for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Junagadh Taluka Panchayat.

While the Additional Public Prosecutor, vehemently opposed the petition, stating that the FIR was lodged on May 22 and no leniency should be shown given the nature of the offences, the court prioritised the democratic process.

The high court emphasised that in an election for such "important positions", a single vote could determine the outcome. Consequently, the court directed that the petitioner be escorted from the detention centre to the election venue under police arrangement at his own cost. The order mandated that the petitioner cast his vote and immediately return to the detention centre, ensuring the election remained open until the process was complete.

The matter is next scheduled for hearing on June 10, 2026.