GOHEL SUNIL DEVSHI Vs. STATE ELECTION COMMISSION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) .What is challenged in these two petitions which are filed under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India is the direction dated 8-12-1999 issued by the State Election Commission in view of the amendment made in Rule 7 of the Gujarat Municipalities (Conduct of Elections) Rules, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules' for short) whereby the authorized representatives of the recognized political parties are directed to give notice in form No. B (party mandate letter) indicating as to who is the official candidate and who is the dummy candidate before 3 p.m., on 13-12-1999.

(2.) . As these petitions involve determination of common question of facts and law, I propose to dispose of them by this common judgment.

(3.) . In order to appreciate the controversy between the parties, it would be advantageous to refer to the facts stated in Special Civil Application No. 10041 of 1999.