Petitioner challenging re-counting of her win as Sarpanch approached the Court due to apprehensions of unfairness. The High Court felt no immediate need to appoint an independent observer, expressing confidence in the Deputy Commissioner to conduct the process impartially and transparently.
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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH
Civil Writ Petition No.211O8 of 2015 Date of Decision: October 05, 2015
Gurbinder Kaur
....Petitioner
versus
State of Punjab and others
.....Respondents
CORAM: HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SURYA KANT. HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE P.B.BAJANTHRI.
Present: Mr.Kehar Singh Hissowal, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr.Rajesh Bhardwaj, Additional AG, Punjab.
-.-
Surya Kant, J. (Oral)
Notice of motion to respondent Nos.1 to 3 only at
this stage.
On our asking, Mr.Rajesh Bhardwaj, learned Additional Advocate General, Punjab, accepts notice on their behalf.
Let three copies of the writ petition be supplied to the State counsel during the course of day failing which this order shall be automatically recalled and the writ petition shall be deemed to have been dismissed for non-prosecution.
In view of the nature of order which we propose to pass, it is not necessary to seek any counter-reply from respondent Nos.1 to 3 or to serve respondent Nos.4 to 7 at this stage as no order prejudicial to their interest is being passed.
The petitioner was declared elected as Sarpanch of village Rangdial, Tehsil and District Mansa. In the Election
MOHINDER KUMAR 2015.10.06 14:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh
[2]
CWP No.21108 of 2015
Petition filed against her, an order of re-counting of votes was passed and a team of Government Officials was constituted to carry-out the re-counting. That order has been set-aside by this Court at petitioner's instance on 07.09.2015 with a direction that re-counting has to be done by the Presiding Officer, Election Tribunal, Mansa, namely, the Deputy Commissioner, Mansa and he cannot delegate his power to other officials.
It is stated that re-counting is to take place on 07.10.2015. The petitioner now apprehends that the recounting is not likely to be fair due to the alleged political pressure. Hence, this Court seeks to appoint an independent observer.
As of now, we see no reason for the apprehension expressed by the petitioner. We are sure that the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Election Tribunal knows his responsibility under the law and shall act in an impartial, fair and transparent manner. He shall maintain and promote the confidence, faith and trust of the candidates in the democratic process.
The petitioner, in any case, shall be at liberty to approach this Court or any other forum in the event of any unfair decision.
The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly. Let a copy of this order be given dasti to Mr.Rajesh Bhardwaj, learned Additional Advocate General, Punjab, for information and necessary compliance.
October 05, 2015 [P.B.BAJANTHRI] mohinder JUDGE
MOHINDER KUMAR 2015.10.06 14:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh
1 issue framed by the court
Whether an independent observer should be appointed to oversee the re-counting of votes in the local body election due to apprehensions of political pressure.
Gurbinder Kaur
State of Punjab
SURYA KANT
P.B. BAJANTHRI
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
