Bilaspur : The High Court has granted significant relief to Kanker MP Bhojraj Nag by dismissing an election petition that alleged tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The petition was filed by rival candidate Beersh Thakur, seeking cancellation of the election results and a direction for re-examination of the EVMs used during polling.
While hearing the matter, the Court observed that a re-check of EVMs cannot be ordered merely on the basis of allegations. It emphasized that unless prima facie evidence—either oral or documentary—is placed on record to substantiate claims of irregularities, such directions cannot be issued.
The petitioner, Beersh Thakur, had alleged that the election process was conducted with mala fide intent by the Returning Officer and that several irregularities affected the final outcome. He pointed to discrepancies in machine numbers between the second randomization report and VVPAT units. Specific references were made to polling stations in assembly constituencies including Gundardehi (61), Sihawa (56), Sanjari Balod (59), Dondi Lohara (ST-60), and Keshkal (82), where inconsistencies were allegedly found in Form 17C records.
However, the Court found that these allegations were not supported by sufficient evidence at this stage. Accordingly, the petition was dismissed. At the same time, the Court granted liberty to the petitioner to file a fresh application after placing credible oral or documentary evidence on record regarding alleged discrepancies in vote counting in Kanker Parliamentary Constituency No. 11.