(1.) As many as thirteen respondents are arrayed in this Election Petition of whom the returned candidate is respondent No. 1, Mahendra Baudh. The other unsuccessful candidates besides the Election Petitioner, are impleaded as respondents 2 to 12. Respondent No. 13 is the Returning Officer.
(2.) First respondent's election from 22, Seondha Vidhan Sabha constituency is challenged in this petition. It is the constituency reserved for scheduled caste candidates. The polling had taken place on 27-2-1990 and counting of votes was done on 28-2-1990. The first respondent had secured 21577 votes as against Election Petitioner 21197 and, therefore, was declared elected on 1-3-1990 by Returning Officer on his having secured the highest number of votes.
(3.) Although the petition was lodged on 16-4-1990, service on all respondents could not be effected until 9-11-1990 though the two contesting respondents, Nos. 1 and 13, entered appearance as early as on 3-8-1990. Returns were flied on 19-11-1990 by respondent No. 13 and on 22-11-1990 by respondent No. 1 However, before that, on 9-11-1990, I. A. No. I, preferred by respondent No. 1 was heard and disposed of.