Returning Officer Accepts Hardeep Singh Puri's Nomination Paper After Investigating Objections

Objectors said that the Form-26 affidavit submitted by the candidate in the prescribed format is not true and complete. The Returning Officer heard the objectors as well as gave Hardeep Singh Puri a chance to present his side. The arguments of both sides and the documents available were examined. The order said that the investigation did not find sufficient grounds in support of the objections. The mandatory provisions of Sections 33 and 34 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 were not found to be violated. Also, no ground for rejection of nomination under Section 36 was found. Form-26 was also found to be complete and as per rules. The Returning Officer then accepted Hardeep Singh Puri's nomination paper declaring all three objections valid. Now, after withdrawal of candidature at 3 pm on November 5, the candidate can be elected unopposed. According to advertising lawyer Hemant Katare, in the election, the candidate has to give his affidavit by taking an oath under the prescribed procedure. Quoting The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, Hardeep Puri said that the oath should not be attested by his wife.