Chandigarh Mayor Polls: Supreme Court Directs Recounting of Votes

BY A STAFF REPORTER: In a significant move, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the recounting of ballot papers at the poll while validating the eight defaced ballot papers and observing that they received the stamp for Kuldeep Kumar. 

Moreover, the final results of the Chandigarh Mayor Elections will be based on the recounting of ballot papers, including the eight ballot papers that favored AAP's councilor, Kuldeep Kumar.

Furthermore, CJI DY Chandrachud stated that the presiding officer Anil Masih drew a single line on the eight ballot papers. 

Accused of defacing ballot papers during Chandigarh Mayor elections, Returning Officer Anil Masih appeared before the Supreme Court yesterday for the hearing of the case. According to Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh, Masih admitted to defacing ballot papers. 

A day ahead of the hearing, Manoj Sonkar resigned from the Mayor's post on 18th February. The Chandigarh Mayor Election results were announced on 30th January where BJP's Manoj Sonkar with 15 votes defeated AAP's Kuldeep Kumar, who secured 12 votes. Shortly after BJP's victory in the Chandigarh Mayor elections, a clash broke out as Congress and AAP councilors accused Manoj Sonkar of winning through illegal means on Tuesday 30th January.