NEW DELHI: In a serious improvement, the Supreme Court on Tuesday noticed that each one invalidated eight ballots have votes been forged in favour of the AAP’s candidate Kuldeep Kumar within the lately performed Chandigarh Mayoral Polls. Hearing the plea filed by AAP Mayoral Candidate Kuldeep Kumar, the Supreme Court stated that the votes forged through the ballot shall be recounted and these eight shall be handled as legitimate. The Supreme Court made these observations in response to a plea filed by AAP Mayor Candidate Kuldeep Kumar, whose votes have been invalidated by the Returning Officer Anil Masih.
Court Orders Recounting Of Votes
During the listening to, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) showcased the ballots to the authorized representatives, highlighting that each one eight ballots have been stamped in favour of AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar. Expressing scepticism over the justification offered by the Returning Officer for invalidating these votes, the highest courtroom emphasised the necessity for a recount and declared that the outcomes could be based mostly on the revised depend.
Chandigarh mayoral polls: Supreme Court takes into word that each one invalidated eight ballots have votes forged in favour of the AAP Mayor Candidate Kuldeep Kumar. https://t.co/Eg3WDMRiPJ
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity and ‘Horse Trading’
The bench, comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed grave considerations over the integrity of the electoral course of, condemning what they termed as “horse-trading.” They criticized the actions of the Returning Officer and emphasised the need of upholding the democratic rules of truthful elections.
Call for Prosecution and Preservation of Electoral Records
The Court’s scrutiny prolonged past the quick challenge, with sharp criticism directed at Anil Masih for allegedly defacing poll papers. Masih’s actions have been deemed as a menace to electoral democracy, prompting requires prosecution. Additionally, the Court ordered the preservation and manufacturing of all related electoral supplies, together with poll papers and video recordings, for additional examination.
Legal Battle Over Election Outcome
The authorized battle surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral election intensified, with AAP’s Kuldeep Dhalor difficult the BJP’s victory in courtroom. Despite the BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar securing the mayoral place, questions relating to the validity of the electoral course of persist, prompting calls for for contemporary polls beneath judicial supervision.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the significance of safeguarding the electoral course of and guaranteeing transparency and equity in democratic elections. As the authorized proceedings proceed, the highlight stays on upholding the rules of democracy and defending the sanctity of the electoral mandate.
