The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the writ petition filed by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature from Madhya Pradesh and said she should file an election petition instead. The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea, saying courts should not ordinarily intervene in ongoing electoral processes and that the appropriate remedy in election matters is an election petition.&nbsp;According to Article 329(b), no election to either House of Parliament or the state Assembly will be called in question except by an election petition as per law.&nbsp;<h2>What is an election petition?</h2>&nbsp;An election petition is a procedure for inquiring into the validity of the election results.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-use-iran-s-frozen-funds-to-pay-for-damages-inflicted-on-gulf-allies-scott-bessent-1781205304888">‘US will use Iran’s frozen funds to pay for damages inflicted on Gulf allies’: Scott Bessent</a><h2>Where can an election petition be filed?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Election petitions are filed in the High Court of the particular state in which the election was conducted. However, challenges to presidential or vice-presidential elections are filed directly in the Supreme Court under Article 71.&nbsp;An election petition can be filed by a candidate or an elector, however, it has to be filed within 45 days from the date of declaration of results.&nbsp;&nbsp;An election petition should have a concise statement of the facts on which the petitioner relies, all particulars of any alleged corrupt practices, including the names of the parties involved and date and place of the commission of each such practice in the form of an affidavit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-nominates-former-sec-chairman-jay-clayton-to-replace-tulsi-gabbard-as-next-director-of-national-intelligence-1781201971661">Trump nominates former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to replace Tulsi Gabbard as next director of national intelligence</a><h2>What relief can be claimed in an election petition?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;A petitioner may claim that the election of a particular candidate is void, or that he/she himself/herself has been duly elected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-killed-over-30-injured-as-pakistani-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-1781193970614">16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a><h2>On what grounds can an election petition be filed?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The election of a particular candidate can be declared void under section 100 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, if the High Court is of the opinion that the winning candidate was not qualified or was disqualified to be chosen to fill the seat, or if any corrupt practice has been committed by the candidate or his election agent or by any other person with the consent of a returned candidate or his election agent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other grounds are use of corrupt practices like bribery to voters or another candidate in fray, or exercising influence directly or indirectly to induce voters or other candidates.&nbsp;Besides, any attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language, making false statements relating to elections’ expenditure or booth capturing can also be the basis.&nbsp;<h2>What is the timeline for an election petition trial?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The Representation of Peoples Act advocates that every election petition shall be tried as expeditiously as possible and as far as practicable for the interests of justice. All efforts should be made by the High Court to conclude the trial within six months from the date on which the election petition is presented.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Can an appeal be filed against the High Court order?&nbsp;</h2>An appeal can be filed in the Supreme Court on any question from every order made by a High Court, but within 30 days from the date of the order.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court refused to entertain the writ petition filed by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan, saying courts should not ordinarily intervene in ongoing electoral processes and that the appropriate remedy in election matters is an election petition.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the writ petition filed by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature from Madhya Pradesh and said she should file an election petition instead. The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea, saying courts should not ordinarily intervene in ongoing electoral processes and that the appropriate remedy in election matters is an election petition. According to Article 329(b), no election to either House of Parliament or the state Assembly will be called in question except by an election petition as per law. What is an election petition? An election petition is a procedure for inquiring into the validity of the election results. Also Read: ‘US will use Iran’s frozen funds to pay for damages inflicted on Gulf allies’: Scott Bessent Where can an election petition be filed? Election petitions are filed in the High Court of the particular state in which the election was conducted. However, challenges to presidential or vice-presidential elections are filed directly in the Supreme Court under Article 71. An election petition can be filed by a candidate or an elector, however, it has to be filed within 45 days from the date of declaration of results. An election petition should have a concise statement of the facts on which the petitioner relies, all particulars of any alleged corrupt practices, including the names of the parties involved and date and place of the commission of each such practice in the form of an affidavit. Also Read: Trump nominates former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to replace Tulsi Gabbard as next director of national intelligence What relief can be claimed in an election petition? A petitioner may claim that the election of a particular candidate is void, or that he/she himself/herself has been duly elected. Also Read: 16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir On what grounds can an election petition be filed? The election of a particular candidate can be declared void under section 100 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, if the High Court is of the opinion that the winning candidate was not qualified or was disqualified to be chosen to fill the seat, or if any corrupt practice has been committed by the candidate or his election agent or by any other person with the consent of a returned candidate or his election agent. Other grounds are use of corrupt practices like bribery to voters or another candidate in fray, or exercising influence directly or indirectly to induce voters or other candidates. Besides, any attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language, making false statements relating to elections’ expenditure or booth capturing can also be the basis. What is the timeline for an election petition trial? The Representation of Peoples Act advocates that every election petition shall be tried as expeditiously as possible and as far as practicable for the interests of justice. All efforts should be made by the High Court to conclude the trial within six months from the date on which the election petition is presented. Can an appeal be filed against the High Court order? An appeal can be filed in the Supreme Court on any question from every order made by a High Court, but within 30 days from the date of the order.

The Supreme Court refused to entertain the writ petition filed by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan, saying courts should not ordinarily intervene in ongoing electoral processes and that the appropriate remedy in election matters is an election petition.

What is an election petition that the Supreme Court has asked Meenakshi Natarajan to file?

The Supreme Court on Friday (June 12) dismissed the writ petition of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature from Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;Rejecting her nomination, the apex court declined to interfere with the Returning Officer’s decision of rejecting her candidature over the alleged non-disclosure of a criminal case in Telangana.&nbsp;While passing the order the bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice AS Chandurkar observed that once a Returning Officer rejects a nomination paper, the aggrieved person must have to approach the Election Commission.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-2-billion-drone-push-why-batteries-could-be-biggest-winner-in-defence-tech-boom-1781254273226">India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom</a>&nbsp;It has now been left for Natarajan to approach the poll panel for her grievances. "If the Court accepts such arguments to find out glaring cases which are required to be interfered under Article 32/226, and the other sets of cases, where the rejection is not so improper prima facie to relegate them to election petitions, this Court would be reading some principle which is not provided for under Article 329. We are afraid that any such interpretation that in some of the matters this Court can interfere while leaving some others to avail the remedy of the election tribunal cannot be encouraged," ruled the court.&nbsp;However, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued for Natrajan in court that only criminal cases where charges have been framed by the trial court need to be disclosed in the nomination, as per Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act.&nbsp;He then argued that Natarajan has only received the notice under Section 223, and no cognizance on the complaint has been taken by the Court.&nbsp;

While passing the order the Supreme Court said that once a Returning Officer rejects a nomination paper the person has to approach the poll panel.

The Supreme Court on Friday (June 12) dismissed the writ petition of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature from Madhya Pradesh. Rejecting her nomination, the apex court declined to interfere with the Returning Officer’s decision of rejecting her candidature over the alleged non-disclosure of a criminal case in Telangana. While passing the order the bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice AS Chandurkar observed that once a Returning Officer rejects a nomination paper, the aggrieved person must have to approach the Election Commission. ALSO READ: India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom It has now been left for Natarajan to approach the poll panel for her grievances. "If the Court accepts such arguments to find out glaring cases which are required to be interfered under Article 32/226, and the other sets of cases, where the rejection is not so improper prima facie to relegate them to election petitions, this Court would be reading some principle which is not provided for under Article 329. We are afraid that any such interpretation that in some of the matters this Court can interfere while leaving some others to avail the remedy of the election tribunal cannot be encouraged," ruled the court. However, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued for Natrajan in court that only criminal cases where charges have been framed by the trial court need to be disclosed in the nomination, as per Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act. He then argued that Natarajan has only received the notice under Section 223, and no cognizance on the complaint has been taken by the Court.

While passing the order the Supreme Court said that once a Returning Officer rejects a nomination paper the person has to approach the poll panel.

Supreme Court dismisses Meenakshi Natarajan's plea challenging rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature

The Election Commission has rejected Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination, triggering a fresh political controversy. The decision comes at a crucial time for the opposition, raising questions about the nomination process, electoral rules, and its wider political implications. Here's what led to the rejection and what happens next.

EC Rejects Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination

Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to influence the Rajya Sabha election after her nomination from Madhya Pradesh was rejected over alleged discrepancies in her election affidavit.&nbsp;The controversy began after election authorities rejected Natarajan's nomination, citing the alleged non-disclosure of information related to a case in Telangana in the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers.&nbsp;The action followed objections raised by the BJP before the Returning Officer. BJP candidate Mahesh Kevat filed a complaint alleging that Natarajan concealed details of a criminal case pending against her in Telangana.<h2>Congress approaches Election Commission</h2>The Congress strongly objected to the decision and sought a meeting with Election Commission officials in New Delhi. Party leaders staged a brief sit in outside Nirvachan Sadan after being denied an immediate hearing, with officials reportedly saying it was already 7 pm and the concerned officers had left for the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following discussions with the police, KC Venugopal and Bhupesh Baghel were later allowed to enter the Election Commission headquarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitendra Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar spent the night on the floor at the ECI office in protest.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the row intensified, the Election Commission agreed to meet a Congress delegation on Wednesday.<h2>Natarajan targets BJP over rejection</h2>Addressing a press conference after the rejection of her nomination papers, Natarajan alleged that the BJP was attempting to influence the outcome of the Rajya Sabha election.&nbsp;She also accused the ruling party of undermining democratic processes in Madhya Pradesh in the past and questioned its decision to field a third candidate despite lacking the required numbers.&nbsp;"It all began when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party fielded a third candidate despite lacking the requisite numerical strength. It became evident that they were engaging in politics designed to trample upon the Constitution and democracy...They are clearly attempting to manipulate the Rajya Sabha election just as they previously subverted elections in Madhya Pradesh," Natarajan said.&nbsp;Calling the issue larger than an individual candidature, she linked the controversy to a broader political battle being fought by the opposition.&nbsp;"This is not merely about a Rajya Sabha seat or a specific candidate; it is about the broader struggle for the 'Idea of India' and democracy that our leader, Rahul Gandhi, is waging a critical battle for our nation today. The question is whether democracy will prevail, whether India's federal structure will endure, and whether the attempt to impose a one-party system and dictatorship will be thwarted," she added.&nbsp;Natarajan, a former Member of Parliament from Mandsaur, represented the Madhya Pradesh constituency between 2009 and 2014. Known for maintaining a low public profile, she is regarded as a close associate of Rahul Gandhi and has worked alongside him since his entry into Congress politics in 2004.

Natarajan's nomination was rejected after BJP candidate Mahesh Kevat approached the Returning Officer, alleging that she had failed to disclose details of a criminal case pending against her in Telangana.

Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to influence the Rajya Sabha election after her nomination from Madhya Pradesh was rejected over alleged discrepancies in her election affidavit. The controversy began after election authorities rejected Natarajan's nomination, citing the alleged non-disclosure of information related to a case in Telangana in the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers. The action followed objections raised by the BJP before the Returning Officer. BJP candidate Mahesh Kevat filed a complaint alleging that Natarajan concealed details of a criminal case pending against her in Telangana. Congress approaches Election Commission The Congress strongly objected to the decision and sought a meeting with Election Commission officials in New Delhi. Party leaders staged a brief sit in outside Nirvachan Sadan after being denied an immediate hearing, with officials reportedly saying it was already 7 pm and the concerned officers had left for the day. Following discussions with the police, KC Venugopal and Bhupesh Baghel were later allowed to enter the Election Commission headquarters. Meanwhile, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitendra Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar spent the night on the floor at the ECI office in protest. As the row intensified, the Election Commission agreed to meet a Congress delegation on Wednesday. Natarajan targets BJP over rejection Addressing a press conference after the rejection of her nomination papers, Natarajan alleged that the BJP was attempting to influence the outcome of the Rajya Sabha election. She also accused the ruling party of undermining democratic processes in Madhya Pradesh in the past and questioned its decision to field a third candidate despite lacking the required numbers. "It all began when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party fielded a third candidate despite lacking the requisite numerical strength. It became evident that they were engaging in politics designed to trample upon the Constitution and democracy...They are clearly attempting to manipulate the Rajya Sabha election just as they previously subverted elections in Madhya Pradesh," Natarajan said. Calling the issue larger than an individual candidature, she linked the controversy to a broader political battle being fought by the opposition. "This is not merely about a Rajya Sabha seat or a specific candidate; it is about the broader struggle for the 'Idea of India' and democracy that our leader, Rahul Gandhi, is waging a critical battle for our nation today. The question is whether democracy will prevail, whether India's federal structure will endure, and whether the attempt to impose a one-party system and dictatorship will be thwarted," she added. Natarajan, a former Member of Parliament from Mandsaur, represented the Madhya Pradesh constituency between 2009 and 2014. Known for maintaining a low public profile, she is regarded as a close associate of Rahul Gandhi and has worked alongside him since his entry into Congress politics in 2004.

Natarajan's nomination was rejected after BJP candidate Mahesh Kevat approached the Returning Officer, alleging that she had failed to disclose details of a criminal case pending against her in Telangana.

RS polls: Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination rejected, party delegation to meet EC

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What is an election petition that the Supreme Court has asked Meenakshi Natarajan to file?

SC dismisses Meenakshi Natarajan's plea challenging Rajya Sabha rejection

EC Rejects Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha Nomination

RS polls: Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination rejected in MP