New Delhi (India), March 26: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice regarding a petition challenging the election of AAP leader Atishi from the Kalkaji constituency in the recent Assembly elections. The petition alleges her involvement in corrupt practices, including bribery. Atishi won the election, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri by a margin of 3,521 votes
The petition, filed by two voters—Kamaljit Singh Duggal and Ayush Rana—claims that Atishi was involved in “bribery,” which is considered a corrupt practice under Section 123(1)(A) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
The bench, led by Justice Jyoti Singh, after noting the submission, directed the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Returning Officer, and the Delhi Police to preserve all records related to the Kalkaji constituency elections, which concluded on February 9.
During the proceedings, the counsels for the Returning Officer and the ECI argued that, according to established legal precedents, neither the ECI nor the Returning Officer can be made a party to an election petition. While acknowledging this, the court allowed the ECI and the Returning Officer to raise their objections in their replies.
The petitioners claim that, on the eve of the polling, individuals linked to Atishi were apprehended with Rs 5 lakhs in cash, allegedly under her instructions to bribe voters and secure support. The petition further alleges that Atishi, with her approval, allowed AAP workers to distribute “fabricated videos” that falsely accused certain individuals of “hooliganism” in Kalkaji, supposedly under BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s orders.
The petitioners also accused Atishi of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by using an official government vehicle for her political campaign. The petitioners have urged the Delhi Police to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action.