The Supreme Court made a strong statement for protecting democracy this week when it set aside the controversial results of the Chandigarh mayoral elections. In a unanimous ruling, the three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, declared Aam Aadmi Party candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the rightful new mayor.
The court criticized Anil Masih, the returning officer who presided over the disputed January 30th elections, for his “defacement” of eight ballot papers captured on video. Masih marked ballots in what the court called a “furtive” manner intended to swing the election in favor of BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar. “We will not tolerate subterfuges that destroy electoral democracy even at the local level,” the Chief Justice stated.
In addition to installing the rightfully elected mayor, the court took the exceptional step of initiating disciplinary action against Masih for compromising the integrity of the democratic process.
The bench made clear that it will act decisively to protect the democratic rights of citizens from erosion – whether at local municipal elections or higher levels.
By taking transparent and firm action in this case, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed its critical role in safeguarding electoral democracy nationwide. This progressive judgment sends the message that judicial institutions remain vigilant stewards of democratic principles in India.
