Gujarat High Court Summons BJP MP Mukesh Dalal Over Contested Victory

The Gujarat High Court has issued summons to BJP MP Mukesh Dalal regarding his uncontested victory in Surat's Lok Sabha constituency. Two petitions by Congress members question the rejection of rival candidate Nilesh Kumbhani's nomination, citing irregularities in the scrutiny process. Dalal has been directed to respond by August 9.

The Gujarat High Court has summoned BJP MP Mukesh Dalal over two petitions challenging his uncontested victory in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency. The court of Justice JC Doshi issued the summons, requiring Dalal to respond by August 9.

The uncontested win occurred after Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani's nomination was rejected on April 22, the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Petitioners argue that the rejection was flawed and have called into question the decision of the Surat collector and returning officer.

Four voters from the Surat constituency, also Congress members, filed the petitions. They dispute the rejection of Kumbhani's form under Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act. The challenge highlights discrepancies in the signatures of Kumbhani’s proposers, which led to his nomination being nullified.