The Supreme Court has intervened in the controversy surrounding the Chandigarh Mayor election by ordering a recount and instructing that eight initially invalidated ballots be considered valid. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized the Returning Officer, Anil Masih, for his handling of the election, which included allegations of tampering with the ballots.
The apex court directed that the votes be recounted and the eight previously invalidated ballots be treated as valid. It was noted that all eight invalidated ballots had votes in favor of AAP Mayor Candidate Kuldeep Kumar.
The court expressed concern over Masih’s actions, highlighting that he had placed a single line on all eight ballots that favored the AAP candidate. The court stated, “What he [returning officer] does is, he puts a single line. Just one line, as seen in the video.”
Representing Masih, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the marks made were “small dots,” and Masih looked at the cameras due to commotion outside. Rohatgi asserted that Masih, as the returning officer, was entitled to sign.
If the eight “invalid” votes are considered valid, the AAP-Congress alliance would win the Chandigarh Mayor election, overturning the earlier victory by the BJP on January 30.
Expressing displeasure with Masih’s conduct, the Supreme Court stated during a hearing on February 19 that it was evident he had defaced the ballot papers and should be prosecuted. The court characterized Masih’s actions as a “murder” and a “mockery” of democracy.
Responding to allegations of ballot tampering, Masih claimed to have marked an “X” on eight already “defaced” ballot papers while looking at the camera due to disruptions caused by AAP councillors attempting to snatch the ballots.