GURSEWAK SINGH Vs. AVTAR SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) LEAVE granted.

(2.) GRAM Panchayat Ralla is situated in the District of Mansa in the State of Punjab. Election to the post of Sarpanch of the said GRAM Panchayat was held on 29.6.2003. The appellant and the first respondent herein were the only two contestants, polling wherefor was held in four booths being nos. 41, 42, 43 and 44. The appellant was declared elected having polled 2004 votes as against 1900 by the first respondent. 147 votes were rejected. The first respondent herein allegedly made all attempts to disturb the counting process. He, however, did not lodge any complaint with the Returning Officer. The wife of the first respondent incidentally was elected as Sarpanch in the earlier term.

(3.) IN the said proceedings by an order dated 4.6.2004, recounting of votes was directed whereagainst the appellant herein filed a writ petition being CWP No. 9269 of 2004. The High Court summoned the original ballot papers. Upon inspection thereof, it was observed that everything was in a total mess stating: