The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct re-election in 20 Assembly seats of Haryana on the ground of alleged inaccuracies in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
A bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, took the petition on board after the petitioner sought urgent listing of the matter.
Rejecting the plea, the Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said an elected government cannot be barred from administering the oath.
The top court warned the petitioner that her plea was frivolous and its dismissal with costs.
"Taken on board and dismissed," it ordered.
It further said that some of those EVMs working for tallying have been working at 99 percent battery capacity while others are working at 60-70 percent battery capacity. Moreover, it has also sought direction to the ECI to publish all three turnout data information along with Form 17C and to store EVM machines.
On the other hand, the Election Commission has also rubbished the allegations of battery capacity.
Earlier today, BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini took oath as Haryana Chief Minister for the second time amidst a galaxy of NDA leaders, including PM Narendra Modi. The BJP has formed the government in Haryana for a record third consecutive term after securing an absolute majority, defying an anti-incumbency of 10 years, winning 48 seats in the 90-seat assembly. The Congress bagged 37 seats, while the INLD won two. Three Independents were also elected. All three have given unconditional support to the government. Saini was made Haryana Chief Minister in March after Manohar Lal Khattar resigned from the position ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
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