The Supreme Court has overturned the results of the Chandigarh mayoral elections in a significant victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The decision came after the BJP candidate was declared the winner due to the invalidation of eight ballot votes by the Returning Officer. The court, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, reviewed the disputed ballots and concluded that they were indeed valid and cast in favor of AAP’s candidate, Kuldeep Kumar. The Returning Officer’s deliberate effort to deface the ballots was criticized by the bench, leading to criminal proceedings against him for making false statements. The court’s focus on transparency and fairness in the electoral process was evident in its order for the production of ballot papers and video footage. The victory of the BJP in the mayoral polls on January 30 was challenged by AAP, citing fraud and forgery, and highlighting concerns about malpractice and unethical practices in the election process. The court emphasized the need to address such issues and hold individuals accountable for their actions, underscoring the importance of upholding the integrity of elections.
Supreme Court declares AAP candidate as Mayor of Chandigarh after overturning “invalid” election results
