New Delhi: The EC had countermanded the by-election that was scheduled to be held on April 12 after reports emerged of heavy bribery of the voters by a candidate.

Last month, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the Madras High Court had directed the Election Commission to hold the by-poll “preferably” by December 31 this year.

After a Lok Sabha or state assembly seat falls vacant due to any reason, the EC has to hold a by-election within six months to fill that seat.

Hearing the PIL, the High Court had said: “It is expected that the Election Commission of India will announce the election date at the earliest and conduct the elections preferably by December 31, 2017.”

Joti said that as per court’s directions the by-elections would be held before December 31.

As per the Representation of the People Act, if any legislator dies, the by-election should be conducted within six months, yet the date of polls had not been announced for the RK Nagar constituency till now, the petitioner pointed out. In this connection, he sent a representation on July 3 last, but there was no response from the EC, hence the PIL.