New Delhi : – In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court of India has intervened in the aftermath of the Chandigarh Mayor election controversy, declaring Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the rightful winner. This decision comes after a contentious dispute arose regarding the validity of votes, particularly those deemed invalid by Returning Officer Anil Masih.
The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, issued a verdict affirming Kuldeep Kumar’s victory, overturning the previous election result. CJI Chandrachud stated, “The petitioner is declared to be the validly elected candidate for the post of Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.”
The court’s ruling centered on the reinstatement of eight votes initially invalidated by Anil Masih, which upon reevaluation, were found to be in favor of the AAP candidate. Consequently, the election outcome has been revised, with Kuldeep Kumar securing victory with a total of 20 votes.
Supreme Court Orders Prosecution of Returning Officer Anil Masih
Furthermore, in light of the irregularities observed during the election process, the Supreme Court has directed the prosecution of Returning Officer Anil Masih for misconduct. The court condemned Masih’s actions, citing his unauthorized alteration of the election outcome and his dishonesty before the judiciary.
Anil Masih’s conduct has been deemed a “misdemeanor,” prompting the issuance of a show-cause notice and a call for accountability. The court emphasized the severity of Masih’s actions, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in electoral procedures.
Background and Context
The Chandigarh mayoral election initially concluded with Manoj Sonkar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging victorious over Kuldeep Kumar. However, the validity of eight votes, crucial to the final result, was called into question due to alleged tampering.
The emergence of a video depicting Anil Masih’s actions during the ballot counting process further fueled controversy, leading to legal intervention. The Supreme Court’s decisive ruling aims to rectify the discrepancies and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Chandigarh.
This development underscores the importance of fair and transparent elections, serving as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles. As Chandigarh prepares for a new mayoral leadership, the repercussions of this verdict are likely to resonate within the political landscape.
