Supreme Court Orders Recount in Chandigarh Mayoral Polls, Validates Previously Invalidated Votes

Supreme Court Orders Recount in Chandigarh Mayoral Polls, Validates Previously Invalidated Votes

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, intervened in the controversial Chandigarh mayoral polls, directing a recount of votes and validating eight previously declared “invalid” ballots. These eight ballots, which were cast in favor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Kuldeep Kumar, were deemed invalid by the returning officer, Anil Masih, raising concerns about potential manipulation of the election results.

Key Points:

• Recount Ordered: The Supreme Court directed a complete recount of votes cast in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, including the eight previously invalidated ballots.
• Invalidated Votes Validated: The eight ballots, initially declared invalid by the returning officer, were deemed valid by the Supreme Court, potentially impacting the final election outcome.
• Allegations of Misconduct: The court’s decision comes amidst allegations of misconduct against the returning officer, who reportedly defaced certain ballots, raising questions about the fairness of the initial counting process.
• AAP Reacts: Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, welcomed the court’s decision, expressing gratitude for “saving democracy in these difficult times.”

Significance of the Ruling:

The Supreme Court’s intervention in the Chandigarh mayoral polls holds significant implications for upholding electoral integrity in India. The decision to validate previously invalidated votes and order a recount demonstrates the court’s commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections. This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of holding returning officers accountable for their actions and preventing potential manipulation of electoral processes.

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