The Supreme Court has summoned the returning officer Anil Masih to explain his conduct in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, where he is accused of defacing ballots. The court has ordered for the election records to be sequestered and handed over to the Punjab and Haryana High Court for safekeeping. The court has also deferred the ensuing meeting of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, pending further orders. A plea was filed against the High Court's refusal to stay the poll results, where the candidate accused the presiding officer of fraud and forgery in the counting process.
Chandigarh Mayoral Polls Controversy: Supreme Court Summons Returning Officer
The Supreme Court has summoned the returning officer, Mr. Satish Kumar, in the case related to the alleged defacing of ballots during the recently held mayoral polls in Union Territory of Chandigarh. The court has also ordered the election records to be seized and handed over to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.
The controversy arose after the results of the mayoral polls were declared, sparking allegation of fraud and forgery in the counting process. The candidate who lost the election filed a petition in the High Court, seeking a stay on the poll results and challenging the validity of the election.
The High Court declined to grant a stay, prompting the candidate to approach the Supreme Court. The apex court has now taken suo moto congnizance of the matter and issued notices to the Election Commission of India, the returning officer, and the State of Punjab.
The matter is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday, June 15, 2023. The decision of the court is likely to have a significant impact on the conduct of future elections in the city.
FAQs
What is the allegation against Mr. Satish Kumar? Mr. Satish Kumar is accused of defacing ballots in the mayoral polls in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
What action has the Supreme Court taken? The Supreme Court has summoned Mr. Satish Kumar and issued notices to the Election Commission of India, the returning officer, and the State of Punjab. The court has also ordered the election records to be seized and handed over to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.
What is the status of the mayoral polls? The results of the mayoral polls have not yet been finalized due to the pending litigation. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Monday, June 15, 2023.
What is the probable impact of the Supreme Court's decision? The decision of the Supreme Court is likely to have a significant impact on the conduct of future elections in the city.
Where can I find more information about this case? You can find more information about this case on the websites of the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.
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