Supreme Court to Scrutinize Invalidated Votes in Chandigarh Mayoral Polls Amid Controversy

The Supreme Court has decided to examine the ballot papers invalidated by Returning Officer Anil Masih during the Chandigarh mayoral polls, which took place on January 30. The electoral process has been marred by controversy, as Masih was purportedly seen marking some ballot papers, a fact he admitted before the court. The BJP emerged victorious in the polls, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Kuldeep Kumar, who was expected to win with Congress support, contested the results, alleging poll rigging.

The court has directed the production of the cast ballots for examination on Tuesday and will also review the video recording of the counting day proceedings. The footage revealed Masih marking ballot papers, prompting the court to seek an explanation. Masih defended his actions, claiming he was marking defaced ballots, but the court expressed serious concerns and emphasized that such actions cannot be allowed in an electoral democracy.

The Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, questioned Masih about the purpose of marking the ballots, emphasizing that this raises serious issues for an electoral democracy. The court is considering various options, including potentially declaring results based on votes already cast rather than ordering fresh elections. The controversy intensified with the resignation of the newly elected Chandigarh mayor, Manoj Sonkar of the BJP, ahead of the court hearing, and the subsequent defection of three AAP councillors to the BJP.