MP High Court Annuls Congress MLA's By-Election Victory Over Criminal Case Concealment
The political landscape in Madhya Pradesh witnessed a significant upheaval as the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, on Monday, annulled the by-election victory of Congress MLA Mukesh Malhotra. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by BJP leader Ram Niwas Rawat, who alleged that Malhotra failed to disclose criminal cases registered against him in his affidavit and nomination papers.
Court Ruling Installs BJP Candidate as New Legislator
This judicial decision automatically installed BJP's Ram Niwas Rawat as the new legislator from the Vijaypur assembly constituency. The annulment pertains to the November 2024 Vijaypur assembly bypoll, where Malhotra had triumphed over Rawat by a margin of 7,364 votes. The ruling deals a substantial blow to the Congress party, reducing its strength in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly to 62 members.
Congress Announces Supreme Court Challenge
In a swift response, Congress state president Jitu Patwari addressed reporters on Tuesday, declaring the party's intention to challenge the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. "We have decided to move the Supreme Court challenging the decision to annul Mukesh Malhotra's by-election win," Patwari stated. He confirmed that senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha will represent their case before the apex court.
Patwari expressed unwavering faith in India's judicial system, asserting his belief that Malhotra would be reinstated as an MLA with public support. "The people of Vijaypur assembly constituency were taken aback by the court ruling," he remarked, downplaying the significance of the undisclosed case. He characterized it as stemming from a minor altercation, not a grave crime that could have influenced the election outcome.
Allegations of Political Motives and Injustice
The Congress leader did not mince words in criticizing the BJP, claiming the episode revealed their "chaal, charitra aur chehra (ploys, character and face)." He accused the BJP of questioning how a tribal MLA from Vijaypur was elected from a general seat, labeling the court ruling as "not only injustice meted out to Mukesh Malhotra, but a direct attack on the voters of Vijaypur."
Opposition Leader Cites Precedent for Overturning Rulings
Echoing the sentiment of legal recourse, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar highlighted that numerous similar lower court rulings have been reversed by the Supreme Court. "Be it the district court or Supreme Court, everyone has a right to seek justice," Singhar emphasized. He noted that the doors of the apex court remain open for Malhotra, and the party will pursue justice after obtaining comprehensive legal advice.
Singhar reinforced this point by stating, "There are numerous examples where such decisions by lower courts were overturned," suggesting a strong precedent for their upcoming appeal. The political and legal battle now shifts to the Supreme Court, with both parties preparing for a protracted contest over the Vijaypur assembly seat.
