Shimla, Aug 28,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has reserved its order on the plea by BJP MP Harsh Mahajan, who is seeking the dismissal of an election petition filed by Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The petition challenges the results of the February 27 Rajya Sabha election.
Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua reserved the order after hearing arguments from both sides on Tuesday. Singhvi, a former Rajya Sabha MP, narrowly lost to Mahajan in the election and is now contesting the outcome. Mahajan, in response, has filed a counter-petition, arguing that Singhvi did not raise any objections during the election process and had agreed to the procedures followed, including the lottery system used to break the tie between the candidates.
Representing Singhvi via video conference, former Union Minister P. Chidambaram focused his arguments on the importance of adhering strictly to the rules governing the lottery system in such situations. The petition argues that the method of declaring Mahajan victorious by lottery was unfair and calls for a reassessment of the election result.
In a significant turn of events, Mahajan’s counsel sought to adjourn the hearing, citing the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Telangana on September 3, where Singhvi is also involved. They argued that Singhvi’s participation in the Telangana elections could influence the ongoing proceedings in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. However, Justice Rewal Dua dismissed this plea, allowing the case to proceed without delay.
Before reserving the order, the court directed both parties to submit their written arguments within three days. The court’s decision on the counter-petition is expected in the coming days, which could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh, particularly concerning the procedures used in closely contested elections.
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