HC gives dissenting verdict on re-poll petitions

Chennai, Jan 12 (UNI) A Division Bench of the Madras High Court today gave a dissenting verdict on a batch of writ petitions, seeking re-election to Chennai Corporation in view of the alleged large scale violence during the polling in October last.

While Mr Justice S J Mukahopathaya dismissed the petitions, Mr Justice Ibrahim Kalifullah, constituting the Division Bench, ordered re-poll in 99 wards out of the total 155 wards of the Corporation.

Mr Justice Mukahopathaya observed that 'on mere allegations' the court could not interfere with the election invoking powers under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Mr Justice Kalifullah, however, allowed all the petitions challenging the polls and directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct repolling in 99 wards out of the total of 155 wards, stating that the poll process was marred by violence.

Coming down heavily on the SEC, he said the Commission failed to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner and the extent of violence committed during the polling was clearly portrayed both in the print and electronic media.

In view of the dissenting order, the matter was referred to the Chief Justice for posting it before another judge.

UNI