The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made a significant move by seeking a response from the Chandigarh administration regarding a plea challenging the election of the municipal corporation’s senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. This development comes as a result of a petition filed, which questions the legitimacy of the election process.
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kuljeet Sandhu and Rajinder Sharma were declared senior deputy and deputy mayor, respectively, following a 16-0 vote margin. The election took place amidst controversy, with the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress boycotting the process under the INDIA bloc banner, immediately after the BJP’s Manoj Sonkar was declared mayor.
The issue at hand revolves around the allegations of rigging during the election of the mayor, which prompted the INDIA bloc councillors to stage a walkout. This walkout was a response to what they deemed as a fraudulent declaration of results. Consequently, the HC bench, led by Justice Sudhir Singh, has issued notice to the UT Administration and adjourned the hearing to February 26 to address these concerns.
The plea, brought forward by the INDIA bloc candidates, not only demands fresh elections for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor but also contests the validity of the mayor’s election. It calls for transparency and accountability, urging the administration to provide reasons behind invalidating eight votes from the Opposition bloc.
The petition argues that the election process was compromised from the outset, with allegations of illegality surrounding the conduct of the presiding officer and the subsequent proceedings. It emphasizes the discrepancy between the number of BJP councillors and the required majority mark, indicating a fundamental flaw in the electoral process.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Supreme Court has intervened, directing the preservation of election records and summoning the returning officer for further investigation. The court's involvement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough examination of the electoral process.
Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, upon reviewing the election proceedings, expressed dismay at the apparent misconduct, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic principles. The SC's continued involvement signifies a commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections.
The controversy surrounding the elections, including the postponements and allegations of misconduct, underscores the need for accountability and integrity in the electoral process. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes remain on the judiciary to uphold the principles of democracy and justice.
