Punjab HC Orders Independent Forensic Probe into Patiala Election Audio Clip

The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Punjab State Election Commission to send an alleged audio clip involving Patiala's senior superintendent of police, linked to disruptions during the Zila Parishad nomination process, to an independent forensic agency outside state control. The court expressed concern over the fairness of the election process and criticized the Commission for initially sending the material to a state-controlled lab. It emphasized the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure free and fair elections through impartial actions and ordered safeguards against interference in the ongoing investigation.