The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has issued a notice to Kadapa district collector Cherukuri Sridhar over complaints of serious irregularities in the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election.
The Commission received a complaint that SC voters were prevented from exercising their franchise, polling booths were occupied by goons, and votes were cast in the names of genuine electors without their consent.
Such incidents, the commission said, amount to denial of fundamental rights and atrocities against Scheduled Caste voters.
Taking cognizance, the Commission invoked its powers under Article 338 of the Constitution and initiated an inquiry. In its notice dated August 26, 2025, it directed the District Collector to submit a detailed action taken report (ATR) within 15 days.
The report must specify what measures were taken regarding allegations of booth capturing, denial of voting rights, and misuse of votes.
The Commission warned that failure to respond within the time limit would compel it to exercise the powers of a civil court and summon the Collector to appear personally or through a representative.
Emphasizing that the right to vote is a constitutional safeguard, the Commission assured that the matter will be pursued seriously to protect the democratic rights of Scheduled Caste communities.
