Court nullifies sarpanch’s election over educational qualification, orders fresh poll

The Civil Court in Kalka has nullified the election of Champa Devi, who was elected as the Sarpanch of Ganeshpur Bhoria Panchayat in the elections held on November 2, 2022.

The verdict follows a petition filed by rival candidate Anju Bala on November 29, 2022, challenging Devi’s educational qualifications.

The court of Justice Dr Jitendra Kumar delivered the judgment, declaring that Devi’s election stands canceled. It further directed the Election Commission to conduct fresh elections for the position.

As per the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, candidates contesting for a reserved women’s Sarpanch seat must have at least passed the Class 8. However, Champa Devi submitted a Class 10 certificate from the Rural Open Schooling Institution, which Anju Bala claimed was fraudulent.

During the trial, Anju Bala’s lawyer Deepanshu Bansal argued that in 1992, Champa Devi appeared for her Class 8 exams at Madhana Morni School but failed in two subjects, meaning she never officially passed the class. Further evidence presented during the case also found the 10th-grade certificate to be fake.

After hearing extensive arguments and witness testimonies from both sides, the court ruled that Champa Devi was ineligible to file her nomination and contest the election.

In its ruling, the court instructed the Haryana State Election Commission, the Haryana Government, and the Deputy Commissioner of Panchkula to conduct new elections for the Sarpanch seat of Ganeshpur Bhoria Panchayat.

Former Sarpanch Naresh Patan, husband of Anju Bala, welcomed the verdict, calling it historic. He said they had been fighting for justice since the election process began and that the court has now upheld fairness by disqualifying an unfit candidate.