Shimla, Sept 16,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has rejected a plea by Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan to dismiss a petition filed by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The petition, which challenges the election process in the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, was not dismissed, and the court has directed Mahajan to respond within two weeks.
Harsh Mahajan’s legal counsel, Vikrant Thakur, argued in court that Singhvi’s petition was not valid. However, the court declined to accept this argument, allowing Singhvi’s challenge to proceed.
In the Rajya Sabha elections held on February 27 in Himachal Pradesh, despite Congress having a majority in the state assembly, the BJP candidate, Harsh Mahajan, emerged victorious. Congress held 40 out of the 68 seats in the assembly, while the BJP had 25 seats, and three independents supported the government. However, during the elections, six Congress MLAs and three independents reportedly voted against the Congress candidate, resulting in both candidates securing 34 votes each.
Following the tie, the Election Commission used the ballot paper system, which led to Mahajan’s win. Singhvi is now challenging this system in the High Court, questioning the election process. The court is set to hear further arguments on the matter in two weeks.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
