Punjab Municipal Polls: High Court Finds DSP's Affidavit On Destruction Of EVM 'Sketchy', Seeks Probe Report From Senior Official

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought an affidavit from the SSP of Khanna district in Punjab, stating the progress of investigation into alleged destruction of EVM Machine along with CCTV camera during counting of votes.Justice Harpreet Singh Brar took note of an affidavit filed by the Deputy Superintendent, conceding that a FIR has been registered and during investigation it was found that voting machine and CCTV camera have been damaged and removed.Stating that the affidavit is 'sketchy' and does not controvert the allegations in the petition filed by Satnam Singh, who is currently serving as counsellor in Khanna's Municipal Corporation, the Court directed the Senior Superintendent of Police to file his affidavit indicating the steps taken in the investigation so far.The bench has also sought information with regard to the officials, who were on polling duty at the time of incident.Singh seeks transfer of investigation into the alleged incident to an independent agency like CBI. He alleges that the ruling government in Punjab by misusing their powers and exercising their influence over government employees to "murder the entire democratic setup"."The Aam Admi Party Government in the State of Punjab had illegally stopped counting process of the by-election to the Municipal Council Khanna which had taken place by destroying the EVM machine when its own candidate had started losing various previous round of counting," the plea states.It is pertinent to note that the Supreme Court recently constituted a Fact Finding Commission and appointed a former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge to enquire into issues raised by candidates of Punjab municipal elections regarding conduct of the polls.Without expressing any opinion on merits, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh passed the order appointing Justice Nirmaljit Kaur (former High Court judge) to perform the stipulated task, preferably on day-today basis, and submit a report.The matter is now listed on July 18, for further consideration.Mr. Nikhil Ghai, Advocate and Mr. Akhil Godara, Advocate for the petitioner.Mr. Ashish Kumar, Advocate for Mr. Gagandeep Singh Wasu, Advocate for respondent No.1-CBI.Mr. Subhash Godara, Addl. A.G., Punjab for respondents No.2 to 4-State.Title: SATNAM SINGH VS CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND OTHERSClick here to read/download the order

Punjab Municipal Polls: High Court Finds DSP's Affidavit On Destruction Of EVM 'Sketchy', Seeks Probe Report From Senior Official

Aiman J. Chishti

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