SC Asserts Crucial Role of Fair Elections in Democracy

SC Asserts Crucial Role of Fair Elections in Democracy

Asif Iqbal | February 22, 2024 | 10:30 PM IST | Courts & Law | Follow on Google News

SC Asserts Crucial Role of Fair Elections in Democracy

SC Asserts Crucial Role of Fair Elections in Democracy

Ensuring a free and fair electoral process holds utmost importance, as stated by the Supreme Court, to maintain people’s trust in representative democracy. The recent overturning of the controversial civic poll results in Chandigarh further emphasizes the significance of upholding the integrity of the democratic process.

Local Elections as Microcosm of Democracy

In its recent judgment, the Supreme Court highlighted the integral role of free and fair elections in the basic structure of the Constitution. It emphasized that local participatory elections, such as municipal corporations, serve as a microcosm of the larger democratic structure in the country. These elections engage with issues affecting citizens’ daily lives, making them a primary point of contact with representative democracy.

“Ensuring a free and fair electoral process, therefore, is imperative to maintain the legitimacy of and trust in representative democracy,” emphasized the court. It directed the registrar to issue a notice to show cause to Anil Masih, the presiding officer, seeking an explanation for alleged irregularities during the election.

Electoral Misconduct by the Presiding Officer

The Supreme Court, during its scrutiny, discovered electoral misconduct by the presiding officer, Anil Masih, who invalidated eight votes cast in favor of the AAP-Congress alliance candidate. The court, considering this as a serious breach, invoked its power under Article 142 of the Constitution, emphasizing the need to maintain the purity of the electoral process.

Referring to a 1977 verdict, the court stressed that electoral decisions should solely be made by voters, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The bench noted that the malpractice observed in this case was not ordinary but rather a blatant violation by the presiding officer.

Quashing Invalid Results and Declaring Legitimate Winner

In response to the irregularities, the Supreme Court ordered the quashing of the declared election result by the presiding officer. The appellant, Kuldeep Kumar, was declared the validly elected candidate for the position of Mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. This decision corrected the earlier declaration that favored the BJP candidate, Manoj Sonkar, who had won by invalidating eight votes.

The court’s decision to uphold the principles of free and fair elections not only rectifies the specific case but also sends a strong message about the importance of preserving the sanctity of democratic processes in the larger context.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.