Chandigarh poll officer must be prosecuted: SC on vote-count row
What's the story
The Supreme Court has ordered the production of ballot papers and the video recording of the counting of votes in the Chandigarh mayoral polls by 2:00pm on Tuesday. It was hearing a petition alleging foul play in the mayoral elections held last month. The court also rapped Presiding Officer Anil Masih, saying he must be prosecuted for "defacing ballot papers."
Context
Why does this story matter?
After the Chandigarh mayoral poll results were announced, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of cheating and "forgery in the electoral process." They alleged Masih was even captured "tampering" with ballot papers in a video submitted to the SC. The AAP also sought fresh polls in the apex court. However, the BJP has dismissed these allegations.
SC's statement
Appoint new returning officer: SC
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud asked the Chandigarh administration's deputy commissioner to appoint a new returning officer not associated with any party. On three AAP councilors crossing over to the BJP, it said, "We are pained by the horse-trading which has happened in Chandigarh assembly." "Horse-trading should be stopped...we want to see the ballot papers tomorrow itself," it added.
Decision pending
Decision on new elections after ballot papers' examination
On Monday, the court said it would decide on fresh mayoral elections after examining the ballot papers. Durig the initial hearings, CJI Chandrachud, after watching the video of the election, said, "Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is murder of democracy." Later, the three-judge bench put a freeze on the Budget Session of the Chandigarh civic body until further orders.
Masih questioned
Can't be allowed in electoral democracy: SC
The SC had also summoned Masih to appear before the bench physically. On Monday, the bench asked him why he put cross marks on ballot papers. To this, he replied that he did so to ensure the ballot papers do not get mixed. "That means you marked it. He has to be prosecuted. In an electoral democracy, this cannot be allowed," the bench remarked.
Twitter Post
Watch: Purported video of vote tampering
Chandigarh Mayor Election:
— Dr. SP (@sphavisha) January 30, 2024
Shocking video of Presiding Officer Anil Masih tampering by using a pen on many votes. pic.twitter.com/S6bFLv1jYD
On Sunday
Chandigarh mayor resigns; 3 AAP councilors quit
On Sunday, the BJP's Manoj Sonkar resigned from the Chandigarh mayor post. The move was followed by the resignations of three AAP councilors in Chandigarh, who quit the party and joined the BJP. The shift of three AAP councilors to the BJP will give the party an edge over the AAP-Congress coalition if fresh polls are held after Sonkar's resignation