(1.) In this Election Petition, the respondent has filed Written Statement and has raised objection to its maintainability on various grounds as narrated in Application [Exh.10]. Additional objections and grounds have been raised by filing another application [Exh.22]. These applications have been replied by filing a detailed reply.
(2.) After perusal of pleadings and after hearing the learned Advocates, this Court had framed Issues at Exh.14, which are as follows:
(3.) After hearing the parties, Issue Nos. (i) and (ii) were re-casted at Exh.20. It was then directed that the Issue No. (ii) be tried as a Preliminary Issue. Even Issue No. (ii-A) framed in the midst of hearing on Preliminary Point is liable to be treated as a Preliminary Issue. Parties are on agreement on the point that these Issues can be heard as Preliminary Issues.