Delhi High Court stays re-election for MCD Standing Committee

"This court prima facie finds that an election has been conducted though the result has not been declared yet. No purpose will be served by conducting a fresh election'

NEW DELHI: In a relief to the BJP, the Delhi High Court on Saturday stayed re-election for six members of the standing committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) scheduled for February 27, saying the Mayor prima facie acted beyond her powers in ordering a fresh poll.

Justice Gaurang Kanth, in a special hearing held on a court holiday on two petitions by BJP councillors against the re-election, said the governing norms do not reflect the Delhi Mayor has the authority to declare the earlier election null and void and conduct the re-election without announcing the results of the previous poll held on February 24.

The court said prima facie the Mayor's action was in violation of the applicable regulations.

"This court prima facie finds that the elections have been conducted and the results have not been declared yet and no purpose would be served by conducting fresh election on February 27. In view of the same, notice for holding reelection on February 27 shall be stayed till the next date of hearing," said the court while listing the petitions by Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Shikha Roy for hearing in March end.

The counsel for the Mayor told the court that she had no other alternative but to declare the earlier poll null and void as the process was vitiated due to the unruly behaviour of the members. The lawyer also alleged the Mayor did not get adequate cooperation from the member secretary and technical experts.