Did the SC Reject the Challenge to the 2024 Maharashtra Elections?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court's decision to dismiss a petition questioning the integrity of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections raises significant implications for electoral transparency. As allegations of voting irregularities surface, the court's ruling reinforces the importance of credible evidence in legal challenges. Can the electoral process withstand the scrutiny of public skepticism?
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court dismisses petition challenging 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
- Claims of irregularities in votes cast after 6 p.m. found unsubstantiated.
- High Court criticized reliance on newspaper articles for legal claims.
- Judiciary emphasizes the need for credible evidence in electoral disputes.
- Electronic Voting Machines remain the standard for elections.
New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has on Monday dismissed a petition that contested the legitimacy of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, citing alleged irregularities in voting that occurred post 6 p.m. A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh opted not to intervene with the Bombay High Court's earlier ruling, which had already rejected a writ petition alleging that approximately 76 lakh votes — equivalent to 6.8 percent of the total — were 'illegally' cast after the official polling hours on November 20, 2024.
The Bombay High Court had, in a ruling delivered on June 25 of this year, deemed the writ petition — based on an RTI response from activist Venkatesh Nayak, which claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) lacked records for votes cast after 6 p.m. — as a 'gross abuse of the process of law'.
Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Arif S. Doctor pointed out that the petitioner, Chetan Chandrakant Ahire, a voter from Mumbai's Vikhroli constituency, lacked the standing to challenge elections throughout Maharashtra. 'It is a relief, too far-fetched, that too on the basis of no cause of action as the facts clearly demonstrate,' stated the Justice Kulkarni-led Bench in its judgment.
The bench further criticized the reliance on newspaper articles and third-party RTI applications, stating: 'We firmly believe that a petition under Article 226 cannot be sustained merely on political opinions or unsupported newspaper reports.'
Moreover, the bench emphasized, 'There is no other material whatsoever, much less of any authenticity, to suggest that any malpractice, fraud, or complaint was associated with the voting at the closing hours of the poll, i.e., around 6 p.m.'
The Bombay High Court had also dismissed the request to revert to paper ballots, referencing the Supreme Court's support for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). 'We have no doubt that this writ petition should be summarily rejected. It is hence rejected. The hearing of this petition has practically occupied the entire day, overshadowing our urgent cause list, and for this reason, the petition would certainly warrant dismissal with costs; however, we refrain from doing so,' the Justice Kulkarni-led Bench remarked.
Point of View
This ruling reflects the judiciary's commitment to uphold the electoral process while ensuring that legal challenges are grounded in substantial evidence. The dismissal of the petition underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in democratic institutions. As the nation moves forward, it is imperative that all allegations of electoral malpractice are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis of the petition against the Maharashtra elections?
The petition claimed that approximately 76 lakh votes were illegally cast after the official polling hours on November 20, 2024.
Why did the Supreme Court dismiss the petition?
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition due to lack of credible evidence and the absence of legal standing from the petitioner.
What did the Bombay High Court say about the petition?
The Bombay High Court termed the writ petition as a gross abuse of the process of law and criticized the reliance on unsubstantiated claims.
Are Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) still upheld?
Yes, the Bombay High Court reaffirmed the use of Electronic Voting Machines, dismissing requests to revert to paper ballots.
