Court slaps ₹30K fine against Kumbi MLA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 30 2024: The High Court of Manipur on Friday rejected the application filed by Kumbi AC MLA Sanasam Premchadra, who contended that the election petition filed against him was invalid.

The court further fined the MLA, directing him to deposit Rs 30,000 to Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) .

JD (U) candidate Ahanthem Sanjoy, who secured second highest votes in Kumbi AC in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election in 2022, had filed an election petition to the Manipur High Court, stating that BJP candidate and incumbent MLA Premchandra failed to disclose important details in his nomination papers.

Premchandra stated in the nomination papers that his highest educational qualification was intermediate (Class XII passed).

Both Premchandra and his wife did not disclose their total assets, which is clearly deceiving ECI and the voters of Kumbi AC.

As such, the petition urged the court to declare the election result null and void, and instead announce the petitioner, Ahanthem Sanjoy as the winner of the election.

In response, MLA Premchandra filed an application to the court, arguing that the election petition did not have any basis and cannot be maintained.

As such, he urged the court to dismiss the election petition.

After listening to arguments of both sides, the court observed that contents of the election petition was reasonable under Section 83 of People's Representation Act and as such, rejected the application filed by MLA Premchandra.

It further ordered the applicant to pay a fine of Rs 30,000 to MASLSA.

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