In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned the results of the Chandigarh mayoral election held on January 30th, declaring Aam Aadmi Party‘s (AAP) candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the winner. This decision comes after the court found irregularities in the counting process, specifically, the invalidation of eight votes cast in Kumar’s favor by the returning officer, Anil Masih.
Eight Invalid Votes Reversed, Tipping Scales in AAP’s Favor
The court deemed these eight votes valid, ultimately pushing Kumar’s vote count to 20, surpassing Manoj Sonkar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who had initially secured 16 votes. Following the controversy surrounding the election and allegations against Masih, Sonkar had resigned from the position, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the mayoral seat.
Anil Masih Faces Perjury Proceedings for Misleading Court
Furthermore, the Supreme Court initiated perjury proceedings against Masih for providing false statements during the hearings. CJI DY Chandrachud had previously criticized Masih’s explanation regarding the marking of ballots, highlighting the lack of any apparent defacement. This action sends a strong message against electoral misconduct and emphasizes the importance of transparency in the voting process.
No Repoll, SC Focuses on Rectifying Counting Issue
It’s crucial to note that the court did not order a fresh election but instead addressed the specific issue of the invalidated votes. This approach underscores the court’s commitment to upholding the democratic process while minimizing disruption to the electoral system.
AAP Celebrates Victory, BJP Grapples with Setback
This decision serves as a significant victory for AAP, solidifying their presence in Chandigarh’s political landscape. Conversely, the BJP faces a setback, losing the coveted mayoral position and raising questions about their handling of the election process.
