SC looks into allegations of horse-trading and the “murder” of fair votes

The Supreme Court has declared that it will review the Chandigarh mayoral election ballots and the full video recording of the counting day on Tuesday, citing instances of “horse-trading.” The court has also instructed the Punjab and Haryana High Court registrar general to assign a judicial officer to securely transport the records to Delhi.

Returning Officer Anil Masih, who oversaw the mayoral votes, was scolded by the highest court on February 5 for defacing the ballot papers. The court said that this was a clear sign that he should face legal punishment, calling his actions “murder” and a “mockery” of democracy.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud led a panel on Monday that ordered the Chandigarh government to protect the documents and the judicial officer, who would be appointed by the high court, with protection. “We, the bench, which also included Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will examine the records at 2:00 pm,” the bench said.