VASANTBHAI VADILAL JOSHI Vs. LAXMIKUVAR VIRENDRASINH PARMAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Free and fair elections are the very foundation of democratic institutions and just as it is said that justice must not only be done, but must also seem to be done; similarly, elections should not only be fairly and properly held, but also seem to be so conducted as to inspire confidence in the mind of the electors that everything has been done aboveboard and has been done to ensure free elections.' This was observed by the Supreme Court in the case of Rampakavi Rayappa Belagali Vs. B.D. Jatti & Others, reported in 1970 (3) SCC 147. In the said case, the Supreme Court further held :

(2.) This is exactly the allegation of the writ applicant in the case on hand, who has alleged that in the matter of election to the post of President & Vice President of the Satlasana Taluka Panchayat, the total Government Machinery including the police interfered for the benefit of one particular political party.

(3.) By this writ application under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India, the writ applicant has prayed for the following reliefs;