NEW DELHI – SUPREME COURT
pressed concern regarding alleged horse trading among councillors in the Chandigarh election, the Supreme Court decided to investigate the possibility of announcing results based on the January 30 votes. It directed that the ballot papers, some of which were reportedly defaced by the returning officer resulting in the unexpected victory of BJP with a vote count of 16-12 after nullifying eight votes of the AAP-Congress coalition, be presented before the court.
A panel consisting of Chief Justice India D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiw and Manoj Misra instructed for the ballot papers and polling videography, in custody by the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana high court, to brought forth on Tuesday for examination. They expressed that if all ballot papers were and unaltered, the results could be declared based on those papers.
AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar called for a fresh election in his plea, however, the Punjab’s advocate general and senior advocate Gurminder Singh asserted that all ballot papers were valid and the results could stand by rectifying the defacement by the returning officer Anil Masih. He flagged some recent “interesting development” like “horse trading” to the bench. While acknowledging the submission, the CJI hinted at the seriousness of the matter.
SC Questions Chandigarh Returning Officer, Warns of Prosecution for Dishonesty
The Supreme Court interrogated the returning officer Anil Masih, accused of tampering with the ballot papers in the Chandigarh mayor election that favored BJP.
“Mr. Masih, I question you. If your responses lack honesty, legal action will follow. This is a grave issue. We have viewed the footage. Why were you marked on the ballot papers?” interrogated the bench.
The court noted that Masih clearly marked crosses on specific ballot papers in the video. Masih admitted to marking eight papers as they were already spoilt. The court insisted on inspecting the ballots and issued orders accordingly.
Punjab’s advocate general and senior advocate Gurminder Singh mentioned an “interesting development,” alleging “horse trading” occurred. The CJI responded lightheartedly stating, “we read the news too.” The bench concluded the session with worries over the “horse trading” concern.
Representing the Chandigarh administration, solicitor general Tushar Mehta opposed declaring results based on the current votes, suggesting a fresh election with an appointed returning officer by the court.
In the previous hearing, the court criticized RO Masih, labelling the election a “democracy mockery” and accusing him of undermining democracy. The CJI had reprimanded Masih for his actions, highlighting the importance of a fair process.
Also Read : https://abcnewsdaily.com/supreme-court-defends-chandigarh-democracy/
