Supreme Court Upholds High Court Decision in Manipur MLA Election Petition Case

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea by Manipur MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing challenging a high court decision to allow an election petition against her. The petition, filed by an opponent, alleges non-disclosure of assets and corrupt practices. The court emphasized 'substantial compliance' of the law in election petitions.

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that an election petition should not be rejected at the initial stage if there is 'substantial compliance' with the law, dismissing a plea by Manipur MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah upheld the Manipur High Court's decision which denied her request to dismiss a petition challenging her 2022 election. The high court had found that the petition disclosed a cause of action and complied with the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

The petition, filed by Kenn Raikhan, accused Hangshing of not disclosing her assets and engaging in corrupt practices. The Supreme Court emphasized that an election petition should contain material facts and an affidavit supporting allegations, highlighting the importance of substantial compliance rather than strict adherence to procedural requirements.

(With inputs from agencies.)