A candidate's request for police protection during elections hinges on the existence of credible threats, which must be substantiated through police inquiries.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner, an independent candidate contesting in the Local Self Government Election from Ward No.1 of Thirumarady Grama Panchayat, has filed the writ petition, seeking Police protection.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was earlier the local secretary of a prominent political party. He has now left that party and is contesting as an independent candidate. Hence, there is every possibility of the petitioner being put to physical harm.

3. Learned Government Pleader submits, on instructions, that the Police, after due enquiry, is convinced that there is no threat as alleged by the petitioner.

In view of the above submissions, the writ petition is closed, leaving it open for the petitioner to alert the Police in the event of there being any imminent threat of assault or commission of cognisable offence. If such information is received, the Police shall take immediate preventive action.