Court Orders Oath Administration for Lalit Tiwari as Lucknow Corporator After Election Nullification
The state urban development department in Uttar Pradesh has issued a directive to the Lucknow district administration and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to administer the oath to Lalit Tiwari as the corporator of Faizullaganj Ward III. This action follows a significant district court order that cancelled the election of the sitting corporator, Pradeep Kumar Shukla, and officially declared Tiwari as the elected representative.
Election Declared Null and Void Due to Affidavit Concealment
The court's decision stems from a petition filed by Lalit Tiwari, which challenged the validity of Pradeep Kumar Shukla's victory in the 2023 civic polls. The court found that Shukla had concealed crucial information in his election affidavit, rendering his election invalid. Specifically, the court held that Shukla failed to disclose details about his first wife and did not provide complete information regarding assets linked to family members, as required by law during the nomination process.
Lalit Tiwari Declared Elected After Runner-Up Status
As a result of this ruling, the court not only nullified Shukla's election but also declared Lalit Tiwari, who was the runner-up in the contest from Faizullaganj Ward III, as the duly elected corporator. This legal outcome underscores the importance of transparency in electoral processes and adherence to affidavit requirements.
Delays in Justice Implementation Despite Court Orders
Despite the court's clear directive and subsequent orders from the urban development department, Lalit Tiwari has expressed frustration over delays in implementing the decision. "After several court orders and directions from the urban development department, I am still running from one department to another to get justice," Tiwari stated, highlighting bureaucratic hurdles in the process.
LMC Considers Legal Aspects Amid Higher Court Petition
When contacted by media, a senior official from the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) indicated that the corporation is carefully considering the legal aspects of the case. This caution arises because the sitting corporator, Pradeep Kumar Shukla, has filed a petition in a higher court challenging the district court's order. The official assured that the LMC would soon take appropriate action in accordance with the legal procedure once all aspects are reviewed.
No Comment from Former Corporator Pradeep Kumar Shukla
Corporator Pradeep Kumar Shukla of Faizullaganj Ward III, whose election was cancelled, declined to comment on the issue when approached. This silence adds to the ongoing legal and administrative complexities surrounding the case, as stakeholders await further developments from the higher court and municipal authorities.
The situation highlights critical issues in local governance and electoral integrity, with implications for transparency and accountability in urban political representation. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served promptly and in compliance with court mandates.
