Intro: Himachal Pradesh High Court rejected Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s plea in Rajya Sabha election dispute case

Shimla

In a key development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday dismissed an application filed by senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, providing relief to BJP MP Harsh Mahajan in the ongoing Rajya Sabha election case. Singhvi had questioned the need for examining witnesses and presenting evidence, arguing that the case could be decided without such procedures.

However, the court ruled that election petitions are trial-based and require proper evidence and witness examination to ensure a fair decision. It also found that the list of witnesses submitted by Mahajan was valid and followed legal norms, leading to the dismissal of Singhvi’s plea.

Advocate Vikrant Thakur, representing Mahajan, said the ruling confirmed that election disputes cannot avoid detailed scrutiny. He stressed that witness examination is necessary to uncover facts and deliver justice.

Reacting to the verdict, Mahajan accused the Congress of trying to avoid a full trial. He said the court’s decision proved that facts and evidence are essential and cannot be ignored. Taking a political dig, he added that his side is ready to face all questions and stands by the truth.

The case will now move forward with the recording of evidence and witness statements as part of the trial process.

The dispute relates to the February 2024 Rajya Sabha elections in Himachal Pradesh, where Mahajan and Singhvi both secured 34 votes in the 68-member Assembly. Mahajan was declared the winner through a draw of lots.

Following the election, six Congress MLAs who cross-voted were disqualified by the party, leading to their seats being declared vacant. The developments had intensified political tensions in the state at the time.