Supreme Court to Scrutinize Chandigarh Mayoral Election Amid Horse-Trading Allegations

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The Supreme Court is set to scrutinize the ballot papers of the Chandigarh mayoral election and review video recordings of the counting process today, following concerns over alleged horse-trading between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

In a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, the apex court expressed distress over reports of horse-trading and announced its intent to examine the ballot papers and video recordings on Tuesday. The court may also consider declaring results based on the votes already cast.

Expressing deep concern over the ongoing horse-trading, the CJI-headed bench emphasized the need to review the entire counting process. The court directed the registrar general of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to ensure the safe transportation of records to the national capital and present them before the court on Tuesday.

Returning Officer Anil Masih, under scrutiny for defacing eight ballot papers, admitted to marking ‘X’ on them to prevent mixing. However, the bench questioned the legality of his actions, noting that defacing ballot papers undermines electoral integrity and democracy.

The Supreme Court had previously criticized Masih’s actions, equating them to “murder” and “mockery” of democracy during a hearing on February 5.

The case before the Supreme Court stems from a plea filed by AAP mayoral candidate Kuldeep Kumar, challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court decision denying interim relief to AAP, which sought a fresh mayoral election.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the Supreme Court suggested that the High Court should have issued an interim order. The mayoral election, initially scheduled for January 18, was postponed to February 6 due to the illness of presiding officer Masih, triggering protests from Congress and AAP councillors, who subsequently approached the High Court.

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