Hearing on petition against Amarinder's election on May 18

Chandigarh, May 16 (UNI) The arguments on the petition filed by Harkirat Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) against the return of Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh from Patiala Town constituency of Punjab Assembly in February 2002 general elections, remained inconclusive in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today.

Justice Satish Kumar Mittal, who is re-hearing the election petition on orders of the Supreme Court, has now fixed May 18 for further hearing on the petitioner plea to summon three witnesses pertaining to the use of helicopter by Amarinder Singh in his poll campaign.

The petitioner has alleged that the victorious Congress candidate has failed to include expenses incurred on the helicopter in his election expenditure return.

The counsel for the petitioner has completed his arguments about this matter and the counsel for the respondent Amarinder Singh would initiate his response on May 18.

During the hearing, it was pointed out by the counsel for the Chief Minister that the issue of use of helicopter had been brought in by the petitioner in his replication and not in the main petition. As such, it was not maintainable, the counsel further submitted.

However, it was emphasised by the counsel for the petitioner that replication was a part of the pleading and could not be ignored. The petitioner wants three witnesses from a petrol pump to be examined in regard to the helicopter issue.

UNI XC DP ARB BD2140