Chandigarh mayoral elections: Chief Justice grills Chandigarh officer, a first in independent India

PTC News Desk: In response to alleged ballot paper defacement during the Chandigarh mayoral election, the Supreme Court has directed the prosecution of returning officer Anil Masih. This marks a significant development as the court addresses irregularities highlighted in a petition, particularly following three AAP councillors' defection to the BJP.

The election, held on January 30, witnessed BJP's Manoj Sonkar's victory over AAP's Kuldeep Kumar. However, controversy ensued with 8 votes declared invalid, triggering intense scrutiny and opposition accusations.

A widely circulated video showed Anil Masih, a member of the BJP's Minority Cell and the presiding officer, apparently marking on AAP councillors' ballot papers. This drew severe criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party and its allies, alleging deliberate invalidation of their votes to sway the election in BJP's favor.

The court's concern extended beyond the alleged defacement, condemning ongoing political maneuvering as "horse-trading," highlighting its gravity.

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The dialogue between the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Anil Masih transpired as follows during the hearing:

CJI: Mr. Masih, I am questioning you. Providing false information could lead to prosecution. This is a grave issue. We have reviewed the video evidence. Why were you captured on camera marking crosses on the ballot papers? What was the purpose behind making those marks?

Masih: Following the voting process, my responsibility was to place markings on the ballot papers. It was necessary to distinguish the defaced ones for segregation.

CJI: The video clearly shows you marking specific ballot papers with Xs. Can you confirm whether you indeed placed X marks on certain ballot papers?

Masih: Yes.

CJI: On how many ballot papers marks were put?

Masih: 8.

CJI: What prompted you to deface the ballot papers? Your task was solely to sign the papers. Nowhere in the regulations does it permit additional markings on the ballot papers.

Masih: The ballot papers were defaced by the candidates, they snatched and destroyed...

CJI: Mr. Solicitor, he has to be prosecuted. He is interfering with the election process.

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(Inputs from agencies)