KAMALJEET KAUR Vs. PUNJAB STATE ELECTION COMMISSION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner submitted her nomination to contest the election to the Municipal Council, Lehragaga, from Ward No. 12. Her nomination was rejected by the Returning Officer, vide order dated 04.02.2021, as she had failed to mention the Ward Number from which she wished to contest. It appears that the petitioner thereafter filed an election petition before the Election Tribunal-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur. She also seeks a direction to the said Tribunal to decide her petition.

(2.) It is well settled that this Court would not meddle with the election process after its commencement, in exercise of power under Article 226 of the Constitution. Be it noted that the subject election is scheduled to be held on 14.02.2021. That being so, this Court cannot look into the validity of the rejection of the petitioner's nomination at this stage, after the finalization of the candidates on 05.02.2021.

(3.) That apart, the petitioner seems to have filed an election petition prematurely, inasmuch as Section 76 of the Punjab State Election Commission Act, 1994, provides that such a petition can only be presented after the conclusion of the election.