Election petition targets Moirang MLA, Th Shanti

IMPHAL, Apr 22 : The High Court of Manipur has issued a notice to Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti and INC candidate Pukhrem Saratchandra with regard to an election petition filed by ex MLA Prithiviraj and directed the Registrar to cause notice within one week and listed the matter on May 6.
The notice was issued by the Single Bench of High Court of Manipur Justice Lanusungkum Jamir.  
The election petition was filed under section 80A/81 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 challenging the election of  Thongam Shanti as a member of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly from 27 Moirang Assembly Constituency.
The petitioner claimed that Th Shanti violated the provision under Section 33 and 33A of the Representation of the People Act 1951 read with rule 4A of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961 and the provision of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
The election petition also mentioned about the alleged acceptance of the invalid nomination paper of the respondent by the Returning Officer of Moirang Assembly Constituency.
The petitioner further claimed that the Form-26 affidavit filed by the Thongam Shanti didn't disclose certain agricultural lands recorded in his name.
It is also mentioned that MLA Thongam Shanti failed to disclose full particulars of his commercial buildings and his spouse’s immovable assets in Jiribam which are to be disclosed in the affidavit.
The Court after the  submission of petition issued notice and directed the Registrar concerned to send a notice to the MLA and INC candidate by registered post with AD card within a week time and listed the matter on May 6.