New video surfaces of Chandigarh poll officer post Supreme Court criticism
PTC News Desk: In the ongoing controversy surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral election, a new video has surfaced on social media, revealing Presiding Officer Anil Masih signing ballot papers while making direct eye contact with a CCTV camera installed in the hall. This footage has raised concerns about the fairness of the January 30 elections, in which the BJP emerged victorious. Shared by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, the top-angle video adds another layer to the controversy.
The video gained attention shortly after the Supreme Court criticised Returning Officer Anil Masih, stating that it was evident he had defaced the ballot papers and should face prosecution. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed his dismay, emphasizing that such actions amounted to the "murder" and "mockery" of democracy. The court vowed not to allow democracy to be compromised and asserted that fresh elections would be ordered if the integrity of the poll process was in doubt.
This recent video clip submitted by the opposition may land the returning officer and those responsible for it in a fresh trouble! #Chand
Watch here: pic.twitter.com/Hjdlyh1KxR — Hina Rohtaki (@HinaRohtaki) February 6, 2024
During the hearing, the court questioned the status of Anil Masih, whether he should be considered an officer or a fugitive. In response, the Supreme Court mandated the preservation of ballots and video footage from the poll proceedings. Anil Masih has been summoned for a personal appearance in the Chandigarh mayoral polls case during the next hearing scheduled for February 19.
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Justice Chandrachud pointed out Masih's actions in the video, stating, "It is obvious that he (the RO) has defaced the ballot papers. This man should be prosecuted. Look, why is he looking at the camera? Mr Solicitor (General), this is a mockery of democracy and murdering democracy, we are appalled. Is this the behavior of a returning officer."
Tell it to your returning officer that the Supreme Court is watching him closely. We won't let him kill democracy.
-CJI Chandrachud firing thunderbolt on Chandigarh Mayor elxn ????pic.twitter.com/edUr1RVRxp — Amock (@Politics_2022_) February 5, 2024
The Supreme Court's directive came in response to AAP's challenge against a Punjab and Haryana High Court order denying interim relief and fresh mayoral polls in Chandigarh. The BJP secured victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls on January 30, retaining all three posts and defeating the Congress-AAP alliance.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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