Jaipur, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Rajasthan High Court has stayed the re-polling process scheduled for September 25 for the election of the Chairman of Khatu Shyam Ji Municipality in Sikar district.
A single-judge bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand passed the order while hearing a petition challenging the decision to conduct a fresh election. The petition was filed by Vinita Punia, an elected councillor from Ward No. 11 and a candidate for the Chairman’s post.
According to petitioner’s counsel, Senior Advocate Major R.P. Singh, elections for all 20 wards of Khatu Shyam Ji Municipality were held on September 9, with the results declared on September 14. The election for Chairman was subsequently scheduled for September 21, with two candidates, including Punia, in the fray.
Voting was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by counting. The petition stated that 19 of the 20 elected councillors cast their votes within the stipulated period, while Lakshmi Devi, councillor from Ward No. 10, did not reach the polling venue.
The petitioner alleged that despite Lakshmi Devi’s absence, the Returning Officer extended the voting time around five times. The process continued until approximately 11:30 p.m., after which the ballot box was sealed and kept in a strong room and the election was adjourned.
The petition argued that since 19 councillors had already exercised their franchise, the votes cast should be counted and the result declared. It contended that stopping the process after 19 councillors had voted and subsequently ordering a fresh election was not in accordance with the applicable rules.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan State Election Commission rescheduled the Chairman’s election for September 25 after police traced Lakshmi Devi. The Vice-Chairman election is scheduled for September 26.
The High Court’s proceedings will determine the next course of action on the petition challenging the election process.
FOLLOW NOW
