HC fixes timeline for election petition filed by Singhvi

The HP High Court has ordered to list the election petition filed by Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi challenging the election of BJP leader Harsh Mahajan before the Additional Registrar (Judicial) on September 12 for fixing a date for recording of evidence.

The court also fixed the timeline for the admission and denial of documents submitted by both and ordered that the same be done positively on August 26 by both the parties.

While passing this order, Justice Bipin Chander Negi made it clear in the order that no unnecessary adjournment on this account would be sought by either of the parties.

It was further ordered that recording of evidence be done as expeditiously as possible keeping in view the legislative mandate of Section 86 (7) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

Mahajan and Singhvi had contested the biennial elections to the Council of States on February 15, 2024 from the single seat in Himachal Pradesh. They were the only candidates for the said seat. On counting, both secured 34 votes each. The Returning Officer (RO) proceeded to determine the result by draw of lots and declared Mahajan as the elected candidate.

The Congress leader challenged the election process on the ground that wrong method was adopted by the Returning Officer while declaring the result of the Rajya Sabha seat.