MCC Violation: Chhattisgarh HC Issues Notice to Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel on Plea Challenging his Election as MLA

The Chhattisgarh High Court has issued a notice to former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel in response to a petition challenging his election as an MLA in the recent assembly polls, citing an alleged violation of the model code.

A single bench of Justice Parth Prateem Sahu was hearing the matter.

The petition was filed by BJP MP Vijay Baghel, who had contested against Bhupesh Baghel in the assembly election for the Patan seat but was unsuccessful. According to petitioner’s counsel TK Jha, Vijay Baghel argues that Bhupesh Baghel breached the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, by leading a procession in the Patan constituency after 5 pm on November 15, 2023.

The petitioner is seeking to invalidate Bhupesh Baghel’s election and impose a six-year ban on his eligibility to contest. The high court has scheduled the next hearing for February 26, 2024.