SC dismisses petition challenging Chamling election

New Delhi, Dec 15 (UNI) The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition challenging the election of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling to the state assembly in 2004.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice YK Sabharwal, Justice C K Thakker and Justice R V Ravindran also dismissed two other similar petitions.

The Supreme Court upheld the judgment of Sikkim High Court dismissing the petitions on the grounds of limitation.

Mr Chamling was elected unopposed following the rejection of nomination papers of all other candidates by the returning officer.

The Sikkim High Court had held that the period of limitation started from the date when the nomination papers of other candidates were rejected and not from the date of Election Commission notification declaring Mr Chamling elected.

The Supreme Court agreed with the view taken by the High Court.

The election of Chamling was challenged by Amar Yonzone, whose nomination paper was rejected.

UNI/AKS/SC AB KN2307