Breaking: Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea Challenging Election Of Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi In 2019 General Polls

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea challenging the election of Meenakshi Lekhi, current Union Minister of State for External Affairs, from the New Delhi Parliamentary Constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Justice Sanjeev Narula rejected the plea moved by Ramesh who contested as an independent candidate from the constituency and raised allegations of discrepancies in Lekhi’s election expenditure and her involvement in corrupt election practices.

The court observed that the election petition fundamentally lacked “material facts” which are essential to confer it with a cause of action. It added that without any underpinning material, Ramesh’s “broad averments” were insufficient to sustain the allegations of electoral corrupt practices.

“In view of the foregoing discussion, the petition being bereft of a cause of action, is dismissed under Order VII Rule 11 of the CPC. Pending applications are also disposed of,” the court said.

Furthermore, Justices Narula emphasized the importance of providing “detailed and well-supported pleadings” to ensure transparency and efficiency in the legal process. He said that the Representation of Peoples Act emphasizes the “need for specificity” and that it is not enough to make vague allegations without delving into details.

“This includes, but is not limited to, specifics of the alleged corrupt practices, individuals involved, and the timings and locations of such acts. In light of the above, the Court’s task is to critically assess whether the petition genuinely presents a valid cause of action deserving its intervention,” the court said.

It observed that though Ramesh argued that Lekhi exceeded the permissible election expenditure limit of Rs. 70 lakhs, however, the basis for his claim remained vague.

“Petitioner has not set-out the concise details of persons involved, mode of undervaluing of expenditures and manner of alleged fabrication of the accounts register. The lack of specific details regarding expenses incurred on various election-related activities and the undervaluation of expenditures undermines the credibility of the accusation,” Justice Narula said.

Advocates Harish Pandey and Anshuman Tiwari represented Minakshi Lekhi. The petitioner appeared in person.

Case Title: RAMESH v. SMT. MEENAKSHI LEKHI

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 769