New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed AAP leader Somnath Bharti to rectify numerous typographical errors in his petition challenging BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj’s electoral victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Judge Manmeet PS Arora expressed concern over the clarity and consistency of the petition due to these errors.
At a hearing on Monday, Justice Arora highlighted the challenges posed by typographical errors, noting that they hamper a clear understanding of the allegations raised in the petition. The court noted discrepancies in references to respondents, which did not match the details in the parties’ memorandum and the synopsis submitted by Bharti’s counsel.
Recognizing the need for corrections, the court granted Bharti 10 days to amend and file an accurate version of her petition. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on August 14, 2024. Responding to Bharti’s counsel’s request to issue notices to the respondents named in the petition, Justice Arora stressed on the need for an error-free document. “There are too many errors. Please correct the petition first. I cannot issue a notice like this,” the judge stated, underlining the importance of clarity in legal proceedings.
Somnath Bharti, represented by noted advocate KC Mittal, expressed his agreement with the court’s directives. In a statement after the hearing, Bharti refrained from commenting on the court’s observations outside the court proceedings. “As I am a lawyer and also an officer of the court, I cannot comment on the observations of the Hon’ble Court. Outside the court and inside the court, I am represented by Sri KC Mittal,” Bharti clarified.
The election petition filed by Somnath Bharti under Sections 80 and 81 of the Representation of the People Act alleges corrupt practices during the campaign that led to Bansuri Swaraj’s victory in the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Bharti, who polled 3,74,815 votes, has challenged that Swaraj’s victory with 4,53,185 votes was marred by unethical electoral practices.
