Patna HC declares MP ML Mandal election void

Patna HC declares MP ML Mandal election void

In a significant development, the Patna High Court on Friday set aside the election of suspended Janata Dal-United MP from Jhanjharpur constituency Mangani Lal Mandal for not furnishing full details in his poll affidavit.

Mangani Lal had won 2009 poll on JD(U) ticket, but later the party suspended him for his anti-party activities during 2010 State Assembly elections.

Justice VN Singh declared Mangani Lal Mandal’s election as void for not furnishing full information in his poll affidavit. “In the light of deposition of witnesses and the established facts, the election is being declared void,” the judge observed.

The writ petition against Mandal was filed by a voter of the constituency, Bishnu Lal Bhandari for not furnishing full disclosure in the affidavit filed during the Lok Sabha polls in 2009. “It was a gross violation of the Representation of People’s Act”, said Bhandari.

It is learnt that the suspended JD(U) MP had not given information about his first wife and the property she owns, in his election affidavit. However, in course of the hearing the case the court found that Mandal had a first wife who also owned property and that was not mentioned in his affidavit.

Meanwhile, Mandal told mediapersons that he would challenge the HC order in the Supreme Court with similar previous references in other parts of the country. “It was not an issue of any corruption or bungling in election but some details in affidavit…I’ll approach the apex court soon against the order”, said visibly upset Mandal.

When asked for his comments on the issue, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while releasing his Government’s report card, however, refused to say anything saying he was not aware of it.