Supreme Court Orders Prosecution of Returning Officer in Chandigarh Mayoral Election Scandal

Supreme Court Orders Prosecution of Returning Officer in Chandigarh Mayoral Election Scandal

VoM News Desk | February 19, 2024 | 05:14 PM IST | Breaking News, Chandigarh, India | Follow on Google News

Supreme Court Orders Prosecution of Returning Officer in Chandigarh Mayoral Election Scandal

Supreme Court Orders Prosecution of Returning Officer in Chandigarh Mayoral Election Scandal

In response to alleged ballot defacement during the Chandigarh mayoral election, the Supreme Court has taken a stern stance, directing the prosecution of the returning officer, Anil Masih. The court’s decision comes after a hearing on Monday, prompted by a petition highlighting irregularities in the election, notably following the defection of three AAP councillors to the BJP.

Controversy Unveiled: Alleged Irregularities and Party Switching

The January 30 mayoral election, where Manoj Sonkar of the BJP emerged victorious against AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar, faced controversy with the declaration of 8 invalid votes. The situation intensified as a video circulated, revealing Anil Masih, a member of the BJP’s Minority Cell and the Presiding Officer, seemingly marking on the ballot papers of AAP councillors.

Court Labels it “Horse-Trading”: Chief Justice of India’s Firm Interrogation

The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the alleged defacement, labeling the ongoing political maneuvers as “horse-trading.” The exchange between Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Anil Masih during the hearing revealed the gravity of the situation. The CJI warned Masih of potential prosecution, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and demanding truthful answers. The court has ordered the examination of the ballot papers on Tuesday, contemplating whether a fresh election or a recount with a new returning officer is the appropriate course of action.

VoM News Desk

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