Karan Singh Randhawa v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP-6345-2026 Date of Decision: 02.04.2026 KARAN SINGH RANDHAWA

...Petitioner

Vs.

STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

...Respondents

CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present:- Mr. Mandeep Singh Sachdeva, Sr. Advocate (through V.C.) with Mr. Om Malhan, Advocate for the petitioner Mr. Ferry Sofat, Addl. A.G. Punjab *** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL) 1.

The petitioner through instant petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking direction to respondent to initiate and complete the election process for the post of President of the NRI Sabha, Punjab ('Society'). He is further seeking publication of list of members on the website who are eligible to cast vote. 2.

This is 2nd round of litigation. The petitioner on an earlier occasion approached this Court by way of CWP-36143-2025 which was disposed of vide order dated 23.12.2025 in the light of affidavit of Chairman, NRI Sabha, Punjab deposing that the election process for the post of President has already been initiated. The statutory tenure of President expired on 05.01.2026. Despite initiation of the process, the respondent has not published list of eligible members till date. DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.04.02 16:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CWP-6345-2026 -23.

Learned State counsel submits that as per his instructions, it is not desirable to conduct elections during summer season because most of NRIs prefer to stay out of country during said season. They prefer to come to India during winter season. Cost of elections would increase and participation of members would reduce, thus, election process would be initiated in September' and concluded in December'. On the earlier occasions, elections were conducted in 2014 and thereafter in 2024, thus, grievance of petitioner is not sustainable.

4.

As stated by respondent, the elections would be conducted and concluded before the end of this year i.e. 31.12.2026. If respondent does not initiate process well within time, the petitioner would be free to move an appropriate application.

5.

Disposed of.

6.

Pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of. (JAGMOHAN BANSAL) JUDGE April 02, 2026 Deepak DPA Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.04.02 16:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document