Court Dismisses Maneka Gandhi's Election Plea

The Allahabad High Court dismissed Maneka Gandhi's election petition challenging the victory of Samajwadi Party MP Ram Bhuwal Nishad from the Sultanpur constituency, citing that her plea was filed after the statutory 45-day deadline. Gandhi claimed Nishad had concealed part of his criminal history in his election affidavit, but the court ruled that her late filing barred its consideration. The court reinforced that strict adherence to the Representation of People Act, 1951, is mandatory, leaving no room for leniency in this case. Nishad won the election by over 43,000 votes, securing 444,330 votes against Gandhi's 401,156. Gandhi's legal team argued for a waiver of the delay due to her hospitalization, but this was dismissed by the court. The ruling highlights the importance of timely legal actions in electoral disputes.