Allahabad HC declares SP MLA's 2012 election 'void'

Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court Tuesday declared as void the election of Samajwadi Party MLA Ram Singh from Patti Assembly constituency in Pratapgarh.

The judgment was pronounced by Justice Aditya Nath Mittal on an election petition filed by BJP's Moti Singh who lost to Singh by a margin of 156 votes in 2012.

The petitioner alleged that the result of the election was "materially affected" due to "improper refusal or rejection" of 955 postal ballots which were neither opened nor counted by the returning officer.

Pronouncing the verdict, the court said as the election of Singh was declared void, he must not be allowed any benefit, including pension, which MLAs are entitled to.

The court also directed that for non-compliance and violation of rules and procedure, strict action must be taken by the state government against Sharda Prasad Yadav, the returning officer concerned, and in future, he must not be assigned any important duty or given a significant post.