The Himachal Pradesh High Court has affirmed the disqualification of a panchayat representative, upholding a prior order that bans the individual from contesting elections for six years. The court dismissed a petition challenging this disqualification, which was initiated under Section 146(2) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, citing corrupt practices in the election process.
The ruling emphasized that strict penalties for electoral malpractice are essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process, deeming the statutory disqualification neither harsh nor disproportionate.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/hc-pangna-gram-panchayat-pradhan-disqualification-panchayati-raj-act-10644427/
