Delhi HC scuttles BJP mantri’s bid to vote in presidential poll

Bhopal: In a significant development, the Delhi high court on Friday rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra’s plea challenging his disqualification by the Election Commission in a paid news case and that he should be allowed to vote in the presidential poll.

“The petition is without any merit. Dismissed,” it said. The court said that as per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, disqualification of a candidate has to be from the date of the order. 

“What effect it may or may not have on a subsequent election is not what has to be taken into account,” it added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi high court to take up the matter for hearing and dispose of the case before July 17, following a petition by Mr Mishra in the apex court pleading to decide the issue as early as possible to give him the opportunity to participate in the presidential elections.

“The Delhi high court has rejected my petition seeking stay on the EC order. I fear I may not be able to participate in the July 17 presidential elections following the development. However, I am exploring legal options to challenge the Delhi high court’s order in the two-bench court of Delhi high court. I may also move the Supreme Court seeking justice,” Mr Mishra said.