The Supreme Court on Friday refused to hear a plea seeking a directive for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct re-polling in certain booths of Bihar’s Munger constituency.
A vacation bench comprising Justices S. C. Sharma and P. B. Varale advised the petitioner to approach the high court instead.
“Why don’t you go to the HC? The high courts are not closed in this country,” the bench remarked.
The petitioner’s counsel alleged extensive rigging and booth capturing during the elections in Munger, purportedly with the involvement of the local administration.
The top court expressed its unwillingness to entertain the matter, prompting the petitioner to withdraw the plea. Consequently, the matter was dismissed as withdrawn.
The Apex Court was hearing a plea filed by RJD candidate Kumari Anita, who sought a directive for the poll panel to conduct re-polling in 45 booths in Munger. The plea alleged serious manipulation, booth capturing, and rigging by JD(U) workers, allegedly aided by officials. It also sought the removal of District Election Officer Munger, Dr. Avaneesh Kumar Singh, from all administrative responsibilities.