AAP takes legal action, challenges deferment of Chandigarh Mayoral Elections in High Court

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, urging for a fair and transparent election process for the Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. AAP's mayoral candidate, Kuldeep Dhalor, filed a plea seeking the appointment of a new presiding officer to replace Anil Masih, who fell ill, resulting in the postponement of the eagerly anticipated election.

Request for new Presiding Officer and Court Commissioner

Dhalor's plea also includes a request for the appointment of a court commissioner to oversee the election proceedings. The plea was presented to the bench of Justice GS Sandhawalia, with a request for an expedited hearing.

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Concerns over political influence

The plea expressed concerns about the majority of election officers, including the presiding officer and the municipal corporation secretary, belonging to the Haryana cadre where the BJP is in power. Dhalor alleged that these officers might be under the influence of the ruling party, raising questions about the impartiality of the election process.

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“It is evident from the fact that only one day before conducting the election, the secretary was removed and an officer belonging to Haryana cadre, where the BJP is the ruling party, has been placed. This action of the administration makes it clear that they are hell-bent on helping BJP councillors in any manner and frustrate the election proceedings,” stated Dhalor in the petition.

The court has permitted the case to be listed for the same day, and the hearing is expected to take place later in the evening, although the bench assignment is pending.